---
# System prepended metadata

title: WEEK3 RUNNING AN ETHEREUM NODE.

---

# WEEK3 RUNNING AN ETHEREUM NODE.

Running an Ethereum Node
Ethereum isn't just a single server in a basement; it is a global, decentralized computer powered by thousands of independent participants. To talk to this computer without relying on a middleman, you run an Ethereum Node. you can run your own node especially using a high performance like a "Rust-stack" like Reth and Lighthouse or a "Go-stack" like Geth and Prysm.

## What is an Ethereum Node.
An Etheruem node is a piece of software running on a computer that connects to other computers running the same software. Together, they form the Ethereum network. A node stores a copy of the blockchain, validates new blocks, and broadcasts transactions.

### The Execution Layer.
The Execution Client (like Reth) is responsible for the heavy lifting of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). It handles the "state" of the network—who owns what and what the smart contracts are doing. This Executes transactions and runs smart contract code. It also Maintains the history of all transactions.

### The Consensus Layer.
The Consensus Client (like Lighthouse) is the logic engine that follows the rules of Proof-of-Stake. It doesn't care about the specifics of a smart contract; it cares about the "truth" of the chain. It organizes blocks, handles rewards/penalties, and talks to other nodes to agree on which block comes next.

I ran into a lot of errors while running my etheruem node and i used Rust for both running my execution and consensus client so for the Execution client i used Reth and for my Consensus client i used Lighthouse below is the image of the both but it is not fulling working they are not fully connected to each other i just wanted to show an image so we can get a glimse of running an etheruem node.
![Screenshot From 2026-02-03 15-01-43](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ByXd0deDbx.png)
![Screenshot From 2026-02-03 15-29-21 (Copy)](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/BkGdAdgDZl.png)