Bitcoin network participants

The Bitcoin network has no hierarchy, but does have different types of Nodes fulfilling the required functions to a greater or lesser extent.

• Full Nodes: All functions except creating new bitcoin
• Lightweight Nodes: Routing & Wallet ( 5 & 7)
• Miners: Issuance/Ordering; Routing & Full ledger (3,4 & 7)
• API Clients – Providing ready made connections to Bitcoin Core (6)
• 3rd Party Services: Connecting to Bitcoin Core via API Clients or directly to Full Nodes to power external services

Each of the parts of the Bitcoin network represent an opportunity for you to actively participate in running and expanding its ecosystem, but the Full Node is the most crucial runs Bitcoin Core, nesting all functions (except Mining) by default.