Vitalik Buterin Suggests New Ethereum Node Model to Reduce Centralization Risks

Highlights:

• Vitalik Buterin has proposed a lighter node setup to help users run Ethereum nodes on personal devices.
• Partially stateless nodes let users store only needed data and reduce the load of running full Ethereum nodes.
• The plan aims to protect Ethereum users from censorship risks by reducing reliance on major RPC providers.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin introduced a new Ethereum node model proposal that aims to make Ethereum’s layer-1 easier to use for those who run local nodes. He explained that depending on a few dominant Remote Procedure Call (RPC) providers places the ecosystem at risk of censorship. Providers allow users and apps to use blockchain data, even without operating a node. Still, their control could result in some regions being denied access.

How to make Ethereum L1 scaling more friendly to users running local nodes for personal use:https://t.co/881XRJLpI0

— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) May 19, 2025

According to Buterin, there is a possibility that centralized RPC services may be pressured to be removed. He noted that some sites already deny access to users in certain countries. He added that a structure dominated by only a few RPC providers could undermine Ethereum’s goals of openness and user freedom. Therefore, he suggested a system where people could more easily operate personal nodes.

He said that running a full Ethereum node today requires more than 1.3 terabytes of storage, which most users cannot manage. Even though the technology is better, Buterin believes that not all people will be able to use it because they lack high-end hardware. Therefore, he suggested using a new arrangement for nodes so they could handle data access while not exceeding their resources.

Partially Stateless Nodes Could Reduce Costs While Preserving Privacy and Control

Buterin suggests adding “partially stateless nodes” that allow people to operate nodes and only keep the data required. In order to validate blocks, these nodes would use simple methods and not store information like the full blockchain. Instead, individuals could pick which information from the Ethereum state to maintain, such as account details, their favorite tokens and the DeFi applications they typically rely on.

This approach would allow users to interact with Ethereum in a trustless and privacy-friendly way without needing high storage and bandwidth. However, when a query falls outside the saved data, the node would either not respond or pass the query to an RPC service. The model supports a “local-first” approach, where the node focuses on data the user finds most relevant.

Analysts noted that this design functions like a library network, where each branch holds certain books but requests others when needed. According to Ryan Yoon from Tiger Research, this shared method of storing Ethereum data would help lighten the load for each node. Michael Cameron from Vanilla Finance added that a setup like this could reduce central points of control if widely adopted.

Still, experts pointed out that applying this idea will require solid methods for selecting which parts of the state each node keeps. They mentioned that for shared storage to be successful, many nodes must join in so that the data is always accessible.

Ethereum Node Model Aligns with Long-Term Roadmap for Decentralized Access

Buterin’s goals help the network grow and remain open to people all over the world. He shared that his vision was to enable Ethereum functions on everyday devices such as mobile phones. While he admitted that it will take time, the proposal brings the country closer to having fewer users rely on big technology companies.

He believes that users should have the ability to read and verify blockchain data independently. Buterin noted that if Ethereum does not improve access to personal nodes, it may face mounting pressure to exclude certain users. He added that easier local node access holds value for Ethereum’s security and freedom. Vitalik recently disclosed plans to make the core design of Ethereum as simple as that of Bitcoin.