What is a Masternode?

A node is any computer connected to a blockchain network, as well as a network node in which messages can be created, received, or transmitted.
⠀
The definition of node can vary greatly depending on the context used.
⠀
Node, depending on its type, stores only part or all of the blockchain data.
⠀
▪️ A “light” node is any computer with special software connected to the blockchain network. Such nodes do not store all the blockchain data but only the block headers to confirm the authenticity of the transactions they contain.
⠀
▪️A masternode, or validator — is a specially configured full node (that is, any computer connected to the blockchain network 24/7 and fully synchronized with it). Full nodes store all the data on the blockchain starting from the Genesis block.
⠀
❗️The difference between a regular node and a masternode (validator) is that the Masternode participates in the production and verification/signing of blocks and receives a reward for network maintenance.