blockchain//Besu//node roles//bootnode

In a Besu network the bootnode is the discovery entry point: the other nodes list its enode in `--bootnodes`. It is not a special node type, and any node can be a bootnode if others point to it (the general mechanics of discovery, gossip and resilience are in bootnode).

In a Besu network the bootnode is the discovery entry point: the other nodes list its enode in --bootnodes. It is not a special node type, and any node can be a bootnode if others point to it (the general mechanics of discovery, gossip and resilience are in bootnode).

One node can wear several hats (bootnode, validator and RPC), but separation is more secure. The ideal is a dedicated bootnode with no RPC, only P2P connectivity, and a minimal attack surface: minimum privilege applied to discovery.