Building an Ethereum Node: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Overview
Ethereum is an open-source blockchain platform that enables developers to build and deploy decentralized applications (DApps). Beyond its cryptocurrency (ETH), Ethereum functions as a distributed computing platform with smart contract capabilities. This guide will walk you through setting up your own Ethereum node.

Prerequisites

Step 1: Install Geth

Geth (Go Ethereum) is the official client for running an Ethereum node.

1. Terminal Setup: Open Terminal (Linux/Mac) or Command Prompt (Windows).
2. Download Geth: Visit the official Geth downloads page and select the latest version for your OS.
3. Installation: Follow the OS-specific instructions to install Geth and add it to your system’s PATH.

👉 Need help with Geth installation?

Step 2: Create a Data Directory

Ethereum nodes require a dedicated directory for blockchain data.

mkdir ~/ethereum-node-data

Step 3: Initialize the Ethereum Node

Run the following command to initialize your node with a genesis file:

geth --datadir ~/ethereum-node-data init genesis.json

Step 4: Set Up Prysm (Consensus Layer)

Prysm is a client for Ethereum 2.0, enabling participation as a validator.

1. Clone the Go Ethereum repository:

   cd /eth
   git clone https://github.com/ethereum/go-ethereum.git
   make geth

2. Navigate to the build directory and launch Prysm:

   cd go-ethereum/build/bin
   ./prysm.sh beacon-chain --execution-endpoint=http://localhost:8551 --jwt-secret=/eth/consensus/prysm/jwt.hex

Step 5: Start the Ethereum Node

Execute this command to launch your node:

./geth --cache 10240 --http --http.api web3,eth,net,personal,txpool,engine,admin \
--http.addr 0.0.0.0 --http.port 8545 --datadir ./node --ws --ws.port 8546 \
--ws.addr 0.0.0.0 --ws.api web3,eth,net,personal,txpool,engine,admin \
--ws.origins '*' --authrpc.addr localhost --authrpc.port 8551 \
--authrpc.vhosts localhost --maxpeers=300 --authrpc.jwtsecret /eth/consensus/prysm/jwt.hex

Step 6: Verify Block Synchronization

Check sync status by attaching to your local node:

geth attach http://localhost:8545
> eth.syncing

Output Interpretation:

• false: Node is synced to the latest block.

• Otherwise, the output displays:

  {
    currentBlock: 14290861,
    highestBlock: 14297354,
    knownStates: 297473485,
    pulledStates: 297473485,
    startingBlock: 14270385
  }

FAQs

Q1: How long does it take to sync an Ethereum node?

A: Initial sync can take 1–7 days, depending on hardware and network speed.

Q2: Can I run a node on a Raspberry Pi?

A: Technically yes, but a 64GB RAM setup is recommended for full nodes.

Q3: What’s the difference between Geth and Prysm?

A: Geth handles execution (transactions/smart contracts), while Prysm manages consensus (block validation).

👉 Explore advanced node configurations

Core Keywords

• Ethereum node
• Geth installation
• Prysm setup
• Blockchain synchronization
• ETH validator
• Decentralized applications

By following this guide, you’ll have a fully functional Ethereum node, contributing to the network’s decentralization and security.