# Architecture

The bloXroute BDN is built on a globally distributed infrastructure designed to deliver low-latency propagation of blockchain data. This section introduces the core components of the network and explains how they work together to accelerate transaction and block delivery across supported chains.

#### Gateway

Each participant in the BDN runs a Gateway alongside their blockchain full node. The Gateway serves as the connection point between your node and bloXroute’s network.

* Communicates using the native protocol of your blockchain (e.g., Ethereum).
* Forwards blocks and transactions to and from the BDN.
* Does not validate the blockchain or store its state.

#### Control Plane

The Control Plane ensures the network remains performant and resilient by coordinating connections between Gateways and Relays.

* Determines optimal Relay connections based on the Gateway's IP geolocation.
* Continuously manages network topology.
* Provides peer discovery to maintain Gateway connectivity even if the Control Plane is unavailable.

#### Relays

Relays are high-performance servers that act as distribution hubs within the BDN. They’re globally distributed and optimized for minimal propagation delay.

* **Transaction Relays**: Propagate transactions across the network.
* **Block Relays**: Propagate compressed blocks.
* The split-relay architecture keeps transaction and block traffic separate and efficient.

#### Remote Blockchain Nodes

Gateways occasionally need access to blockchain data they cannot validate. In these cases, bloXroute provides remote full nodes to fulfill such requests.

* Used for fallback queries from your full node.
* Ensures uninterrupted service when local data isn’t sufficient.