How Nodes Work in Cryptocurrency Networks (Full Guide)

In the world of cryptocurrency, most of the action happens behind the scenes. Every transaction, smart contract, and token swap relies on an invisible web of computers working together to keep the system honest. These computers are called nodes, and without them, the blockchain simply wouldn’t function.

Key Takeaways

• Nodes are the foundation of any blockchain network. They store data, validate transactions, and enforce consensus rules without relying on a central authority.
• There are many types of nodes. These include full nodes, light nodes, miners, validators, pruned nodes, and more—each serving a specific role in the ecosystem.
• Consensus depends on nodes. Whether through proof-of-work or proof-of-stake, nodes collectively decide which transactions are legitimate and which blocks are added to the chain.
• Running a node doesn’t always earn you money. Full nodes typically don’t generate direct income, but miners, validators, and masternodes may receive rewards.
• Nodes enhance security and decentralization. The more widely distributed they are, the harder it becomes for bad actors to tamper with the blockchain.
• The future of nodes is evolving. Trends include lighter clients, institutional-grade validator nodes, and deeper integration with second-layer solutions like rollups and the Lightning Network.

What Is a Node in Cryptocurrency?

A node is any active device—typically a computer—that connects to a blockchain network. It runs the software of the cryptocurrency protocol and plays a role in maintaining, validating, and distributing the digital ledger. In simpler terms, nodes keep the entire blockchain honest, consistent, and operational.

The Core Role of a Node

Every time you send or receive cryptocurrency, a node is involved. Nodes don’t just store data—they enforce the rules of the blockchain. They confirm whether a transaction is valid, reject anything that doesn’t follow protocol, and relay that data to other nodes. This constant communication ensures all participants agree on the current state of the ledger.

Not All Nodes Are the Same

Some nodes only store parts of the blockchain. Others keep the full transaction history, going all the way back to the very first block. Some take it a step further by helping create new blocks or earn rewards by validating transactions. Whether light, full, or specialized, each type of node plays a unique role in the ecosystem.

Decentralization Starts With Nodes

Unlike traditional financial systems that rely on central servers, blockchains are decentralized by design. Nodes make this possible. They are distributed across the globe, often run by individuals or organizations with no affiliation to one another. This setup prevents any single point of failure and ensures no single entity controls the network.

Nodes and the Blockchain Ledger

At the heart of every blockchain is a ledger—a history of transactions that’s shared across all nodes. Because each full node maintains its own copy, the network is incredibly resilient. If one node fails or gets taken offline, the rest continue operating as usual. That redundancy is part of what gives blockchain its durability and trustworthiness.

How Do Nodes Work in a Blockchain Network?

Nodes don’t just sit idle. They perform constant behind-the-scenes tasks that keep a blockchain functional, transparent, and secure. Each action—whether broadcasting a new transaction or verifying block data—is guided by a strict set of rules embedded in the network’s code.

Step 1: Transaction Broadcast Begins

When someone initiates a cryptocurrency transaction, it doesn’t go directly into the blockchain. Instead, the transaction is first signed with a private key and sent to nearby nodes. These receiving nodes then propagate the transaction across the peer-to-peer network, passing the information to other nodes in a chain-like relay.

Step 2: The Mempool Holds Pending Transactions

Each node has a “mempool,” or memory pool, which acts like a waiting room. Here, incoming transactions are temporarily stored before they are confirmed. Not every transaction gets approved—nodes inspect the transaction for things like double-spending, incorrect digital signatures, or insufficient funds. If a transaction doesn’t meet the protocol’s criteria, it’s dropped.

Step 3: Validation Through Consensus Rules

The real power of nodes lies in validation. Each full node checks the transaction against the network’s consensus rules: Is the sender authorized? Is the format valid? Has the input already been spent? Only transactions that pass this test move forward. In proof-of-work networks like Bitcoin, miners then compete to group these transactions into blocks. In proof-of-stake systems, validators take on that responsibility. But in either case, it’s the nodes that determine whether a transaction even qualifies.

Step 4: Inclusion in a Block

Once validated, transactions are packaged into blocks. A miner (or validator) who successfully creates a new block then broadcasts it across the network. Other nodes immediately verify that the block is legitimate—checking timestamps, block size, hash difficulty, and every included transaction. If it passes, they update their copy of the blockchain accordingly.

Step 5: Chain Synchronization

Every node keeps a copy of the blockchain ledger. As new blocks are added, nodes must stay in sync. If two nodes have slightly different views of the chain, they follow the protocol’s rules to decide which version to accept. Usually, this means going with the chain that has the most cumulative proof-of-work or the one with the highest stake weight.

Built-In Redundancy and Trust

Because there’s no central authority, trust is built through redundancy. Thousands of nodes independently confirm the same data, ensuring the blockchain is both accurate and resistant to tampering. A corrupt actor would have to alter the ledger across the majority of nodes to change transaction history—a nearly impossible feat on well-established networks.

Why Are Nodes Important in Crypto?

Without nodes, the entire idea of cryptocurrency collapses. They’re not just helpful—they’re essential. Every part of a blockchain’s security, functionality, and decentralization traces back to its network of nodes.

Maintaining Security Through Redundancy

Nodes ensure that no single entity can manipulate the blockchain. Because thousands of nodes independently verify every transaction, any attempt to alter the ledger would require overwhelming control of the network. In Bitcoin’s case, that would mean seizing over 51% of the mining power and tricking a majority of nodes—something that’s prohibitively expensive and easily detectable.

Preventing Double-Spending and Fraud

In traditional finance, banks are gatekeepers. In crypto, nodes take over that role. They verify that coins haven’t been spent more than once, that signatures are authentic, and that blocks follow strict formatting rules. By independently validating this information, nodes prevent fraud before it reaches the blockchain.

Keeping the Network Decentralized

One of blockchain’s defining features is that it’s not controlled by a single party. Nodes make that possible. Because anyone can run a node—on a home computer, a server, or even a Raspberry Pi—the power to audit and verify transactions is distributed across the world.

Ensuring Transparency and Consensus

Nodes enforce the network’s rules—and if a transaction or block violates them, it’s rejected. This enforcement keeps everyone on the same page, even if they don’t trust each other. Whether you're in Tokyo, Berlin, or Buenos Aires, your node will show the same version of the blockchain as everyone else's.

Types of Cryptocurrency Nodes

Not all nodes serve the same purpose. Some store the entire blockchain, while others handle only a fraction. Some help validate transactions and earn rewards, others focus on supporting the network quietly in the background. Understanding the differences helps clarify how a decentralized system truly operates.

Full Nodes

A full node downloads and stores a complete copy of the blockchain ledger from the very first block to the most recent. These nodes independently verify every transaction and block according to the network’s consensus rules. They don’t just passively observe—they enforce. If a miner or validator attempts to broadcast an invalid block, full nodes will reject it outright. This makes them critical to the security and reliability of networks like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Anyone can run a full node. You don’t need to mine or stake coins. But you do need storage space, an internet connection, and patience to sync with the blockchain.

Pruned Nodes

A pruned node starts out as a full node. It downloads the entire blockchain, verifies everything, and then deletes older data to free up disk space. It keeps only the most recent segment of the blockchain, usually capped at a preset limit like 1 or 5 gigabytes. Pruned nodes still validate transactions and blocks—they just don’t retain the full historical record. For users with limited hardware, they’re a practical way to support the network without sacrificing functionality.

Light Nodes (SPV Nodes)

Short for Simplified Payment Verification, light nodes are designed for efficiency. Instead of downloading the full blockchain, they store only block headers—the summary data for each block. Light nodes can verify if a transaction is included in a block, but they rely on full nodes for deeper verification. Most mobile wallets operate as light nodes because they’re less resource-intensive. They’re fast, lightweight, and ideal for day-to-day use, though they trade some independence for convenience.

Miner Nodes

Miner nodes exist on proof-of-work blockchains like Bitcoin. These nodes gather transactions, package them into a block, and compete to solve a complex mathematical problem. The first to solve it broadcasts the new block to the network. Every miner is a node, but not every node is a miner. Mining requires powerful hardware, such as ASICs, and consumes significant energy. The reward? New coins and transaction fees—if your block is accepted.

Validator Nodes

Validator nodes play a similar role on proof-of-stake blockchains. Rather than solving puzzles, they’re chosen to validate blocks based on the amount of cryptocurrency they’ve staked. The more they stake, the higher their chances of being selected. If a validator acts honestly, they earn rewards. If they behave maliciously, they risk losing their staked funds. This system replaces energy cost with financial collateral, lowering the environmental footprint while keeping incentives aligned.

Archival Nodes

Archival nodes are a subtype of full nodes that keep every single transaction from genesis to the present. This makes them useful for explorers, analytics tools, and researchers who need access to the complete blockchain history. Running an archival node requires substantial storage and bandwidth. In Ethereum, for example, archival nodes can take up multiple terabytes. They aren’t necessary for most users, but they’re critical for indexing services and advanced infrastructure.

Authority Nodes

Some private or consortium blockchains use a proof-of-authority consensus model. In these systems, authority nodes are pre-approved by the network operator. They have permission to create blocks and validate transactions, making the system faster—but more centralized. You won’t find authority nodes on open blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum, but they’re common in enterprise use cases, where speed and control matter more than decentralization.

Masternodes

Masternodes are full nodes with extra duties. They validate transactions and maintain the blockchain, but they also enable special functions—like instant transactions, private transfers, or on-chain governance. To operate one, users typically need to lock a significant amount of the blockchain’s native token as collateral. In return, they receive a portion of block rewards or fees. Dash popularized this model, but other blockchains have adopted it as well.

Staking Nodes

While validator nodes represent the mechanism of proof-of-stake, staking nodes are broader. They can include individual users or staking pools that delegate tokens to validators. The key element is participation—locking tokens to help secure the network and potentially earn rewards. You don’t always need to run the node yourself. Many platforms offer staking-as-a-service, allowing users to delegate their stake while staying hands-off.

Lightning Nodes

Found on networks like Bitcoin that support second-layer solutions, Lightning nodes open payment channels off-chain. This allows for instant, low-cost transactions without clogging the main network. Lightning nodes still interact with the base blockchain, but they settle transactions less frequently, reducing congestion. They’re ideal for micropayments, gaming, and merchant payments.

Super Nodes

Super nodes are rare and often network-specific. They might be designated to perform protocol upgrades, validate smart contracts, or manage governance functions. Not all blockchains use them, and their roles vary widely depending on network design.

Node vs. Miner vs. Validator: Key Differences

The terms node, miner, and validator are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct roles in a blockchain network. While they can overlap in some cases, each has its own function, hardware needs, and place in the consensus process.

What Is a Node?

A node is any device that connects to a blockchain network and communicates with other nodes. Its main purpose is to store blockchain data, relay information, and enforce consensus rules.
• Hardware Requirements: Modest (especially for light or pruned nodes)
• Primary Role: Store, verify, and share blockchain data
• Earning Potential: Generally none for standard full nodes
• Participation in Consensus: Indirect—verifies blocks created by miners or validators
• Who Can Run One: Anyone with the required software and hardware

What Is a Miner?

Miners are nodes on proof-of-work blockchains that bundle transactions into blocks and attempt to add them to the blockchain. To do this, they must solve complex cryptographic puzzles faster than others.
• Hardware Requirements: High (ASICs or GPUs)
• Primary Role: Compete to create new blocks by solving mathematical problems
• Earning Potential: Block rewards + transaction fees
• Participation in Consensus: Direct—part of the consensus mechanism in PoW systems
• Who Can Run One: Anyone, but significant investment is needed to compete
Note: All miners are nodes, but not all nodes are miners.

What Is a Validator?

Validators replace miners in proof-of-stake blockchains. Instead of solving puzzles, they’re selected to create new blocks based on how much cryptocurrency they’ve staked in the network.
• Hardware Requirements: Moderate to high, depending on the blockchain
• Primary Role: Validate and propose new blocks in PoS systems
• Earning Potential: Block rewards, transaction fees, staking yield
• Participation in Consensus: Direct—core to PoS block creation
• Who Can Run One: Anyone who meets the staking threshold (or joins a pool)

How to Set Up and Operate a Node

Running your own node gives you direct access to a blockchain network without relying on intermediaries. It’s not just for developers or large-scale miners—anyone with the right equipment and commitment can do it. While the technical requirements vary depending on the blockchain, the process generally follows a similar structure.

Step 1: Choose Your Blockchain

The first step is deciding which blockchain you want to connect to. Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most common, but there are dozens of others, each with its own software, documentation, and requirements.
• For Bitcoin, the most widely used client is Bitcoin Core.
• For Ethereum, Geth and Nethermind are popular.
• Some platforms, like AI Crypto Market Xchange, offer access to blockchain data and market activity without requiring users to operate nodes directly—ideal for traders focused on performance and convenience.

Step 2: Check the System Requirements

Different blockchains require different amounts of storage, bandwidth, and computing power.
• Storage: Full nodes for Bitcoin can take up over 500 GB. Ethereum nodes can exceed 1 TB, especially archival nodes.
• RAM and CPU: Minimum 4 GB RAM is recommended; more for smoother performance.
• Internet: A stable, high-speed connection is critical. Expect to upload/download hundreds of gigabytes during the initial sync.
• Uptime: Nodes work best when they’re online continuously. Some run on dedicated machines 24/7.
If you're limited on storage, consider running a pruned node instead. It validates everything but keeps only recent block data.

Step 3: Install the Node Software

Most node software is open source and available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The installation process generally involves:
• Downloading the official client software
• Verifying the software signature for security
• Running the software and configuring it (e.g., setting pruning options or connecting to specific peers)
After installation, your machine will begin downloading the blockchain and validating each block in order. This process can take hours or even days, depending on your internet speed and the size of the chain.

Step 4: Keep It Synced and Maintained

Once your node is fully synced, it starts operating as a peer in the network—validating transactions, sharing data with other nodes, and helping enforce consensus rules. You’ll need to:
• Monitor logs for errors or disconnections
• Keep software up to date
• Maintain system security (firewalls, anti-malware, etc.)
• Optionally open ports to allow other nodes to connect to you
There’s no direct profit in running a standard full node, but many users do it for privacy, self-sovereignty, or contribution to the network’s decentralization.

Optional: Use Dedicated Hardware or Cloud Services

Some advanced users install nodes on dedicated hardware like Raspberry Pi devices or mini-PCs. Others rent cloud servers to host nodes remotely. These methods offer more flexibility but come with added cost and complexity. If you prefer convenience over configuration, some platforms offer pre-configured node devices or plug-and-play services. While less hands-on, they still give you the benefits of running a node without the technical overhead. Running a node won’t make you rich—but it gives you a front-row seat to how blockchain works. It’s one of the most direct ways to participate in the crypto ecosystem without trusting a third party. Can You Earn Money by Running a Node? Running a node is often more about contributing to the network than generating income—but in some cases, there’s money to be made. Whether a node can earn you crypto depends on its role in the network and the blockchain’s consensus mechanism.

Full Nodes: No Direct Payouts

Standard full nodes, like those found on Bitcoin or Ethereum, typically don’t generate direct rewards. They validate blocks, relay data, and enforce network rules—but they don’t earn block rewards or transaction fees. For most operators, the motivation is ideological or practical: running a node grants full control over your interactions with the blockchain. You verify your own transactions. You don’t depend on outside infrastructure. And you contribute to decentralization.

Miner Nodes: Profit, but at a Cost

Miner nodes on proof-of-work networks can earn cryptocurrency by successfully mining blocks. These rewards include newly minted coins and fees from the transactions included in the block. But mining is highly competitive. It requires:
• Specialized hardware (like ASICs)
• Cheap electricity
• Significant upfront investment
• Technical knowledge to optimize performance
For individuals, solo mining is rarely profitable today. Most miners join mining pools, where resources are shared and rewards are split proportionally. Even then, returns vary based on energy costs and market prices.

Validator Nodes: Stake-Based Earnings

Proof-of-stake blockchains reward validators for creating and confirming blocks. To become a validator, you must lock up a specific amount of cryptocurrency as a stake—which acts as collateral. If you behave honestly, you earn:
• Block rewards
• A share of transaction fees
• Potential additional incentives depending on the protocol
However, dishonest or faulty behavior can lead to slashing, where part of your stake is forfeited. Running a validator node requires both capital and consistent uptime. Some users who don’t want the hassle of managing a validator node themselves join staking pools or use delegated staking platforms.

Masternodes and Other Specialized Nodes

Masternodes—used in blockchains like Dash—require locking up a large deposit to activate. In return, operators receive a portion of block rewards or governance voting rights. Likewise, some blockchains reward authority nodes, super nodes, or lightning nodes with service fees, depending on their function. These setups tend to be more complex and are often aimed at technically proficient users or institutional operators.

Running a Node on a Platform Like AI Crypto Market Xchange

For users focused on trading, managing their portfolio, or staying secure, operating a personal node may not be necessary. Platforms like AI Crypto Market Xchange provide fast, compliant access to major blockchain networks, giving users real-time data and seamless execution without the technical burden of node maintenance. Still, understanding how node incentives work helps users evaluate decentralization claims and recognize which projects rely on real network participation—and which ones don’t.

Nodes and Blockchain Consensus

At the center of every blockchain is a simple question: how do thousands of independent participants agree on a single version of truth? The answer lies in consensus, and nodes are the mechanism through which it’s achieved.

What Is Consensus in a Blockchain?

Consensus refers to the process by which nodes agree on the state of the blockchain—specifically, which transactions are valid and which blocks should be added to the chain. It’s what prevents double-spending, forks, and manipulation. Unlike traditional systems that rely on a central authority, blockchain relies on its nodes to reach consensus without centralized control. Every node plays a role in either voting on, validating, or relaying data tied to consensus.

Proof of Work: Nodes Enforcing Through Difficulty

On proof-of-work (PoW) networks like Bitcoin, miners compete to solve mathematical problems. The winning miner proposes the next block, and other full nodes verify that block by checking its contents. If it passes, they add it to their local copy of the blockchain. If it doesn’t, it’s rejected. No matter how much energy was spent, invalid blocks don’t get through. This is how consensus emerges: not just from the miner’s effort, but from the thousands of nodes that decide whether that effort followed the rules.

Proof of Stake: Consensus by Commitment

In proof-of-stake (PoS) systems, nodes called validators are selected based on how much cryptocurrency they’ve locked into the protocol. Instead of solving puzzles, they propose and vote on blocks based on stake-weighted influence. Here too, regular nodes play a key role. Even if they’re not validators, full nodes still verify blocks and help enforce consensus. A malicious validator can be challenged or exposed if other nodes spot inconsistencies. The result is the same: no transaction enters the chain unless the network agrees it’s valid.

Other Models: Authority and Hybrid Systems

Not all blockchains use PoW or PoS. Some use proof-of-authority, where only pre-approved nodes (authority nodes) can create blocks. Others blend models or introduce variations like delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS), where token holders vote on validators. Regardless of the model, the principle holds: consensus is enforced by nodes verifying the integrity of transactions and blocks. Without their constant participation, even the most advanced protocol would break down.

Why Node Participation Matters

Consensus doesn’t come from code alone. It comes from enforcement. A blockchain can only stay decentralized if its nodes are willing to reject invalid behavior—even if that behavior comes from powerful validators or dominant miners. The strength of consensus, then, is directly tied to the number and distribution of active nodes. It’s why running a node—even without mining or staking—still matters.

Security Implications of Nodes

The security of a blockchain doesn’t come from a firewall or a help desk—it comes from its nodes. These machines, scattered across the world, independently verify every transaction and keep a shared record of the truth. The more widely distributed and independently operated these nodes are, the more secure the network becomes.

No Single Point of Failure

Traditional systems depend on centralized databases. If that server goes offline or gets hacked, everything stops—or worse, gets compromised. Blockchains flip that model on its head. With thousands of nodes maintaining their own copy of the ledger, there’s no central weak spot. If a node goes offline, the network keeps going. If a malicious actor tries to alter transaction history, they’d need to change it on a majority of nodes at once—a logistical and financial nightmare.

Defense Against Tampering

Nodes don’t take anyone’s word for it. Each one verifies incoming blocks and transactions against the network’s consensus rules. If a miner or validator submits a block that doesn’t add up—wrong timestamps, reused inputs, bad signatures—it’s rejected. This validation happens in parallel across the entire network. No single participant can sneak something through. Every node is a checkpoint, and each one helps enforce the integrity of the system.

Preventing 51% Attacks

In proof-of-work blockchains, a 51% attack refers to a scenario where one entity controls more than half the network’s mining power. In theory, this could allow them to reorganize blocks or double-spend coins. Nodes are the final line of defense. Even if a powerful miner creates a fraudulent block, it won’t be accepted unless the nodes validate it. On large networks like Bitcoin, the number of honest nodes makes such attacks impractical. In proof-of-stake systems, similar risks exist if a few validators control a majority of the staked tokens. But again, independent nodes help detect and respond to bad behavior, and slashing mechanisms punish malicious actors financially.

Censorship Resistance

Security isn’t just about fraud prevention. It’s also about freedom. Nodes make blockchain censorship-resistant. No central authority decides which transactions go through. As long as a transaction follows the rules and reaches enough nodes, it will get validated and added to the ledger. This is especially important in regions with restrictive financial controls or surveillance. Users who operate their own nodes can send, receive, and verify transactions without depending on third-party services.

Decentralization Is Security

A blockchain is only as secure as its distribution. More nodes means more copies of the truth. More validators means more independence. More global participation means fewer points of control. It’s not just about speed or efficiency. In crypto, decentralization isn’t a feature—it’s a safeguard. And the more people who run nodes, the stronger that safeguard becomes.

Future of Crypto Nodes

As blockchains evolve, so do their infrastructure needs. Nodes—the backbone of every decentralized network—are at the center of that evolution. From technical upgrades to shifts in network design, the role and structure of nodes are already changing.

Smaller Footprint, Greater Access

One major trend is the push toward lighter, faster nodes. Not everyone has the hardware to store an entire blockchain, especially as networks like Ethereum and Bitcoin continue to grow in size. Developers are responding with more efficient options:
• Pruned nodes that discard older block data once validated
• Light clients that focus on verifying specific transactions
• Stateless clients that rely on external data providers but preserve some level of self-verification
These innovations lower the barrier to participation, especially for users in bandwidth- or storage-constrained environments.

The Rise of Validator Infrastructure

Proof-of-stake networks are expanding rapidly. As they do, validator nodes are becoming a key focus—not just for hobbyists, but for institutions.
• Cloud-hosted validator services are on the rise
• Liquid staking lets users participate without locking tokens directly
• Institutional staking providers now manage validator operations at scale
This trend raises questions about decentralization versus efficiency, but it also introduces robust infrastructure capable of handling billions in locked assets.

Integration With Second-Layer Networks

Layer 2 solutions, like the Lightning Network (Bitcoin) or rollups (Ethereum), require their own nodes. These specialized nodes operate partially outside the base blockchain, enabling faster and cheaper transactions. Expect to see more hybrid models:
• Nodes that bridge between base layers and sidechains
• Nodes optimized for high-frequency microtransactions
• Infrastructure that supports token bridges and cross-chain protocols
As these systems mature, node architecture will become more layered and specialized—but no less essential.

Institutional Nodes and Custodial Participation

The institutional wave in crypto has brought with it a new type of node operator: banks, asset managers, and custodians. These entities don’t just run nodes—they build compliance frameworks, audit trails, and high-availability systems on top. This type of participation helps bridge the gap between crypto-native networks and regulated financial systems. Platforms like AI Crypto Market Xchange cater to this intersection, offering users real-time market access without the complexity of operating their own node infrastructure.

Security and Privacy Improvements

New cryptographic techniques—like zero-knowledge proofs and multi-party computation—are also influencing node behavior. Nodes will likely play a bigger role in:
• Enforcing privacy layers
• Verifying zk-rollup transactions
• Supporting regulatory compliance without compromising data sovereignty

In short, tomorrow’s nodes won’t just store and relay data—they’ll also validate advanced cryptographic proofs and enforce more granular control over who sees what.

Nodes Will Still Matter—Just in New Forms

Even as protocols become more abstract and user-facing tools improve, the importance of nodes doesn’t fade. They’ll still be the machines that enforce the rules, store the records, and keep the network alive. Whether you’re a validator, a researcher, a trader, or just a curious user—understanding nodes will always give you a better handle on how blockchains really work.

Final Thoughts

Nodes rarely get attention, but they deserve it. They’re the reason a blockchain can exist without a central server, a regulator, or a single point of control. They store the ledger, enforce the rules, and validate every transaction that moves across the network. Whether you're running a full node from home, staking on a proof-of-stake network, or simply using a crypto wallet powered by light nodes, you're relying on this quiet infrastructure. The trust you place in blockchain technology rests on the honesty and resilience of thousands of machines doing the work behind the curtain.