As Blockchains Grow Bigger, Full Node Counts Increase

Back in 2016, the number of full nodes within the Bitcoin core network was dropping. At the time, Bitcoin enthusiasts thought the amount of nodes would continue to decline and the metric was used heavily in the scaling debate. However, in contrast to many people’s predictions, the count of full node BTC implementations has been rising, and over the past year, its node count is up over 106 percent.
What Is a Full Node?
A full node is basically a computer that connects to a cryptocurrency’s network and downloads every single block and transaction on the blockchain. Because full nodes record the entire blockchain’s network activity in real time, they rely on both storage and bandwidth requirements. A wide variety of digital assets that utilize blockchains have participants running full nodes on networks like dash, litecoin, bitcoin cash, ethereum, and bitcoin core. There are also a lot of ‘lightweight nodes’ which do not download entire blockchains but rather verify transactions by downloading the associated block headers. One of the cheapest methods of building a full node is using a Raspberry Pi computer, and a one terabyte external drive for roughly $100 USD. There are also many businesses that sell pre-manufactured full nodes but these are usually far more expensive.
BTC Node Count Jumps to Over 11,000 Reachable Nodes In 2018
Currently, BTC has 11,703 detectable nodes that interact within that specific network. The number of nodes is never static and continually changes when participants either drop off the network or join. This metric has increased significantly over the past year, and the 12-month average has been roughly 8,643 nodes according to Bitnodes statistics.

As Blockchains Grow Bigger, Full Node Counts Increase
BTC node count 1 year.
The leading countries with the most full nodes at the moment include the U.S., Germany, China, France, Netherlands, Canada, the UK, and Russia. Nodes are also operated in countries suffering from poor internet service and economic hardship such as Venezuela, Algeria, Mexico City, South Africa, Namibia, Pakistan, and Nigeria.