---
id: node-types
title: Node Types
sidebar_label: Node Types
sidebar_position: 2
description: Types of NEAR Nodes
---

You can run three different types of node - Validator Node, RPC Node, and Archival Node.

### Validator Node {#validator-node}

Validator nodes are the operators of the NEAR blockchain and are essential to the health of the network. Validator nodes participate in the consensus and produce blocks and/or chunks. You can see a real-time view of NEAR network validator nodes on the [NEAR Explorer](https://explorer.near.org/nodes/validators).

### RPC Node {#rpc-node}

RPC nodes are RPC service providers that provide public RPC endpoints for developers to use. The NEAR Foundation currently maintains a public RPC endpoint `http://rpc.mainnet.near.org/` that is free for everyone to use. However, any participants are encouraged to run their own RPC node and offer RPC services through [an Open Source & Public Goods grant from the NEAR Foundation](https://near.org/blog/refining-near-foundations-grant-approach/). For more information, please check out Community section in the documentation and reach out in the Validator Channels on [Discord](https://discord.gg/ZMPr3VB) and on [Telegram](https://t.me/near_validators).

### Archival Node {#archival-node}

Archival nodes store full blockchain data, and build an archive of historical states. These nodes are useful for block explorers, chain analysis, and infrastructure providers.

See [API Setup](https://docs.near.org/api/rpc/setup) section for archival RPC nodes endpoints.

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