What is RPC Node

An RPC (Remote Procedure Call) node is a blockchain node that exposes an API endpoint allowing external applications — wallets, dApps, analytics tools — to communicate with the blockchain network without running a full node themselves. When MetaMask shows your ETH balance or broadcasts a transaction, it is communicating with an Ethereum RPC node behind the scenes. WHAT DOES AN RPC NODE DO An RPC node responds to JSON-RPC method calls — standardised requests for blockchain data and actions: eth_getBalance: Return the ETH balance of an address. eth_blockNumber: Return the current block number. eth_sendRawTransaction: Broadcast a signed transaction to the network. eth_call: Execute a smart contract call (read-only) without sending a transaction. The node receives these requests, queries the blockchain state, and returns the result. This is how every wallet, block explorer, and dApp reads chain data and submits transactions. DEFAULT RPC PROVIDERS AND THEIR RISKS MetaMask's default RPC: Infura (owned by ConsenSys). When Infura experienced downtime in 2020 and 2022, MetaMask users could not transact — highlighting centralisation risk in Web3's infrastructure. Centralised RPC providers can: Censor transactions (not relay certain addresses), log your IP address and usage patterns (privacy risk), and experience downtime. POPULAR RPC PROVIDERS Infura: Default in MetaMask. 100M+ daily requests at scale. Alchemy: Preferred by developers for enhanced APIs, analytics, and reliability. QuickNode: Fast global infrastructure, multi-chain support. Ankr: Decentralised RPC network — nodes operated globally by independent operators. Pocket Network: Fully decentralised RPC protocol — open source, censorship resistant. ADDING CUSTOM RPCS TO METAMASK Adding a custom Ethereum L2 or alternative chain to MetaMask: Settings → Networks → Add Network → Enter: Network Name, RPC URL, Chain ID, Currency Symbol, Block Explorer URL. Chainlist (chainlist.org): One-click add for 100+ EVM networks — Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, Avalanche etc. Running your own node: Advanced users run Geth or Nethermind locally to eliminate RPC dependency entirely.

Terms in addition to the RPC Node

Blockchain

A blockchain is a subset of a distributed database. The Bitcoin inventors originally prototyped the system in 2008. This modern database is made up of separate blocks that are connected together in a chronological chain. Blockchains may be used to store a wide range of data types. It has mostly been utilized as a public ledger for bitcoin transactions to date. A peer-to-peer network comprised of independent nodes uses a consensus process to ensure the blockchain's security and legitimacy. Each node in the network keeps a public and immutable copy of the data.

2 Factor Authentication (2FA)

2 Factor Authentication is a security measure with two layers. It is used by the majority of cryptocurrency exchanges. To log in, you must provide not only a password, but also a code obtained, for example, from the Google authenticator.

Airdrop

An airdrop is a method of distributing coins. End users can typically obtain coins for free or in exchange for doing a small task, such as subscribing to a newsletter, sending a tweet, or inviting others via a personal affiliate link. Cryptocurrency airdrops — the act of depositing cryptocurrency into public crypto wallets — are utilized as a marketing, liquidity creation, and network bootstrapping technique for many different types of blockchain initiatives.

Altcoin

Altcoin - "alternative coin" - is any kind of digital currency other than Bitcoin. Since the launch of Bitcoin, the world's first digital currency, many altcoins (as well as supporting blockchains) have been created. Altcoin digital currencies share many similarities to Bitcoin, but consistently and have significant differences. There are about 20,000 altcoins, and this number is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Altcoins often develop Bitcoin features. Ethereum, currently the most widely used blockchain, supports digital contracts and separate applications where Bitcoin does not. Altcoins are also often created to cater to the needs of different users. The Litecoin blockchain, for example, can process payments quarterly for the duration of Bitcoin.

Cold Storage

Cold storage is the way to store cryptocurrency offline. The word refers to the use of offline wallets that are not connected to the internet. Cold storage is the most secure way to keep cryptocurrencies since an offline currency becomes less likely to be hacked and stolen. Paper wallets, printed renditions of private keys, and offline hardware and software wallets are all examples of cold storage.