New Node Structure introduced by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin aims to enhance Layer-1 scalability while preserving the ability to run personal nodes, a cornerstone of Ethereum’s decentralized network. Outlined in a May 19, 2025, blog post, the “Partially Stateless Nodes” model could increase gas limits by 10–100 times, making node operation accessible on consumer hardware. This article explores the proposal and its impact on the Ethereum blockchain.
Simplifying Node Operations
New Node Structure, dubbed Partially Stateless Nodes, allows nodes to store only relevant blockchain data rather than the full 1.3 TB state, which is prohibitive for most users. Buterin emphasized that running personal nodes is vital for Ethereum’s decentralized network, especially as reliance on large RPC providers risks censorship, undermining the platform’s core ethos. The proposed model enables nodes to validate blocks and respond to queries using minimal data, ensuring accessibility without compromising security.
This approach could dramatically increase Ethereum’s gas limit. As a result, it would enhance transaction throughput. At the same time, it allows individuals to run nodes on standard PCs or smartphones. The Ethereum blockchain would maintain its decentralized network integrity, countering centralization trends driven by high hardware demands.
Complementary Scaling Solutions
New Node Structure is paired with additional proposals to optimize Ethereum’s efficiency. EIP-4444, for instance, would require nodes to store only the past 36 days of data, slashing storage needs. Older data would be fragmented and distributed across the network using erasure coding, ensuring the Ethereum blockchain’s permanence without centralized providers. This reduces the burden on individual nodes while preserving historical data access.
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Buterin also suggested adjusting gas fees to discourage state-bloating actions, such as creating new smart contracts or sending ETH to inactive wallets. These changes aim to lower execution costs and ease network strain, further supporting the blockchain scalability of the New Node Structure.
Expert Support and Challenges
New Node Structure has garnered praise from industry experts. Michael Cameron of Vanilla Finance called it a “game-changer” for restoring Ethereum’s decentralized roots, though he noted the need for robust mechanisms to select stored data and ensure historical data availability. Ryan Yoon from Tiger Research highlighted its potential to distribute nodes globally, enhancing censorship resistance and blockchain scalability.
Implementing the model requires complex mechanisms to determine which data nodes store and contingency plans for missing data. Despite these challenges, Buterin views the New Node Structure as essential to prevent user exclusion due to inaccessible node requirements, aligning with Ethereum’s inclusive vision.
Conclusion
New Node Structure, proposed by Vitalik Buterin, offers a path to scale the Ethereum blockchain while keeping node operation accessible. By enabling Partially Stateless Nodes and supporting measures like EIP-4444, Ethereum could achieve unprecedented blockchain scalability and maintain its decentralized network. As the crypto ecosystem evolves, this proposal could redefine Ethereum’s balance of performance and decentralization.
