The Road to Web 3.0: Empirical Insights into Full Node Workload in the Bitcoin Blockchain

The shift from Web 2.0 to Web 3.0, known as the “decentralized web”, hinges crucially on end-user engagement, particularly in the hosting of blockchain nodes. This study delves into the operational requirements for maintaining Bitcoin full nodes by comparing the experiences of two distinct setups: a high-specification desktop and a low-resource Single Board Computer. We meticulously analyze the implications of these setups on end-user resources, focusing on power consumption, bandwidth usage, and data traffic patterns. The findings not only highlight the practical challenges users will encounter in the evolving digital landscape but also provide new insights into the dynamics of the Bitcoin blockchain, particularly during a period of significant market volatility.