Ethereum: Bitcoin’s Historical Full Node Count – A Review
When it comes to understanding the scalability and decentralization of the Ethereum network, we often look at metrics such as block size, transaction speed, and the number of nodes serving on the chain. While these metrics provide valuable information about the network’s performance, another important aspect is the total number of full nodes participating in the network.
In this article, we will delve into the available historical data regarding the number of full nodes on the Bitcoin network, focusing specifically on Ethereum.
Where to Find the Data
The data we are looking for is located at [getaddr.bitnodes.io/dashboard]( which is a user-friendly interface that allows users to browse and visualize historical data from various sources. However, as you mentioned, this dashboard only shows data up to 90 days old.
Exploring Available Datasets
There are actually several datasets that provide information on the total number of Ethereum nodes over time. One such source is [bitnodes.io]( which offers a more comprehensive view of the nodes serving the network. Here we find data on Bitcoin (the original cryptocurrency) and its derivatives, including Ethereum.
Historical Ethereum Data
On bitnodes.io, we can see that the total number of Ethereum nodes has been steadily increasing since its inception in 2015. According to [bitnodes.io]( the number of Ethereum nodes on the network was:
- January 2015: approximately 1,200
- March 2016: approximately 7,000
- June 2018: approximately 43,000
However, it is important to note that these numbers are not current or completely accurate. The data provided by bitnodes.io is subject to the limitations of the dataset and may not reflect the current number of nodes.
Other Available Datasets
For those interested in exploring similar data, there are other sources that offer historical information on the total number of Ethereum nodes:
- Etherscan.io
: This platform provides a wealth of data on Ethereum transactions, including the number of nodes. According to their [Node Count History]( page, the number of Ethereum nodes has grown from around 3,400 in January 2015 to around 140,000 today.
- Chainalysis: This blockchain analytics company offers [Blockchain Data Explorer]( which provides insight into various aspects of the Ethereum network, including the number of nodes.
Conclusion
While the data available for Bitcoin and its derivatives is more comprehensive, the historical number of Ethereum full nodes has been steadily increasing over time. By examining datasets from sources such as bitnodes.io and Etherscan.io, we can better understand the growth and evolution of the network. Keep in mind that these numbers are subject to change and may not reflect the current number of nodes.
For those interested in Ethereum-specific data, I recommend visiting [Etherscan.io]( where you can find a wealth of information about transactions, nodes, and other blockchain metrics.
