Masternode
network · consensus
A chain-specific service-node role that usually requires collateral and performs duties beyond ordinary block validation or relay.
A masternode is a role defined by particular cryptocurrency protocols, most notably Dash and related systems. Operators commonly lock collateral and provide services such as transaction coordination, governance voting, or network features in return for protocol rewards.
Collateral amount, custody, uptime, voting power, reward share, and technical duties vary by chain. The term does not imply that a node is a consensus validator, a full node, private, or more powerful on every network.
Masternode systems can create capital and hosting concentration, governance capture, software-maintenance, and slashing or penalty risk. Hosted or pooled services add counterparty and key-management dependencies.
Related terms
Node
→Software that participates in a peer-to-peer network by validating, serving, relaying, or requesting blockchain data.
network · blockchain
Staking
→Locking or delegating tokens to support a proof-of-stake network or protocol in exchange for potential rewards.
consensus · defi
Collateral
→Assets pledged to secure a crypto loan, margin position, or smart contract obligation until repayment.
finance · defi
Governance
→The processes a blockchain community or protocol uses to propose, decide, and implement changes.
concept · governance