Is a Bitcoin node over Tor helping the network or not?

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1

Hi there,

I have a question regarding Bitcoin nodes:

Does running a Bitcoin node over Tor (disabling clearnet) actually help the network, or is it acutally not that helpful / not having such a great impact, because the network speed over Tor network is slower?

I have searched the answer to that question everywhere, but have found no answer.

As far as I found out, it at least helps the other nodes and miners running over Tor as well, but is that even a substantial amount or not really enough to make a real impact?

I want to make sure that my node is acutally really contributing to the network while keeping my privacy as high as possible.

Would be nice to get some views / explanations about that specific topic.
Thanks a lot.

2

Bitcoin doesn’t need you to operate on altruism. But it certainly helps the rest of us, who are also tor only. Do what’s best for you, in a self-interested manner, and benefit to the network is a result.

If I was mining, I’d use a clearnet node for best performance. For the node I use with my wallets, both on-chain, and lightning, I prefer to use a tor only node. I would not do both on the same node, but many people do. Any node runner who is actively using their node, is a benefit to the network.