Ethereum Node

Understanding the Execution and Consensus Layer split.

The Two-Client Model

Since "The Merge," Ethereum has transitioned to a modular architecture. A single monolithic application no longer runs a node. Instead, you must operate a pair of distinct software clients that communicate via a local authentication port (The Engine API).

To run a functional node, you must install and sync both:

1. Execution Client (EL): Handles the "user" state (balances, smart contracts, transactions).

2. Consensus Client (CL): Handles the "network" state (proof-of-stake, finality, the beacon chain).

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1. Execution Layer Clients (EL)

Formerly "Eth1"

The Execution Client listens to the peer-to-peer network for new transactions, maintains the memory pool (mempool), and executes smart contract code in the EVM.

Client	Language	Optimization Focus
Geth (Go-Ethereum)	Go	Stability. The most widely used client with extensive tooling support.
Nethermind	C# / .NET	Performance. Optimized for high-speed execution and MEV operations.
Besu	Java	Enterprise. Features advanced permissioning tools suitable for corporate environments.
Erigon	Go	Storage Efficiency. Uses a unique database structure to significantly reduce disk usage for Archive Nodes.
Reth	Rust	Speed. Built by Paradigm with a focus on modularity and extreme sync speeds.

⚠️ Note on Client Diversity

The Ethereum Foundation strongly encourages operators to run a minority client (non-Geth). If a super-majority client (>66% share) encounters a critical bug, the chain could finalize incorrectly.

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2. Consensus Layer Clients (CL)

Formerly "Eth2" / Beacon Node

The Consensus Client implements the Proof-of-Stake algorithm. It tracks the head of the chain, gossips blocks, and enables validators to attest to the state.

Client	Language	Optimization Focus
Prysm	Go	Usability. Extensive documentation and a large community.
Lighthouse	Rust	Efficiency. Highly performant with low resource overhead.
Teku	Java	Institutional. Native support for external key managers (Web3Signer).
Nimbus	Nim	Lightweight. Optimized for resource-constrained devices (supports ARM).
Lodestar	TypeScript	Web-Native. Useful for light clients and JavaScript-based tooling.

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🛡️ Configuration Strategies

The modular nature of Ethereum allows operators to mix and match any Execution Client with any Consensus Client. The optimal combination depends on your specific infrastructure goals.

Strategy A: Validator Resilience

Operators running active validators often prioritize Minority Clients to mitigate "Slashing Risk."

• Rationale: If a majority client contains a bug that causes it to finalize an invalid chain, validators running that client may face severe penalties.

• Common Configurations: Nethermind + Lighthouse / Besu + Teku.

Strategy B: Infrastructure & RPC Stability

Operators providing public API endpoints or high-volume data access often prioritize Client Stability and JSON-RPC response times.

• Rationale: Compatibility with indexers and predictable uptime are the primary metrics for RPC services.

• SyncNode Insight:

  While we strictly support and encourage client diversity across the network, internal benchmarks at SyncNode indicate that the Geth (EL) + Prysm (CL) combination currently offers the highest stability for high-load public RPC endpoints.