Lightweight shard nodes refer to a type of network participant in a blockchain that operates with limited resources compared to full nodes. These nodes support the network by participating in the validation and verification of transactions, but they do not store the entire blockchain.Instead, lightweight shard nodes only maintain a portion of the blockchain data. This allows them to operate more efficiently, using less storage and processing power. They typically synchronize with full nodes to access necessary information required for their tasks.By using lightweight nodes in a sharded architecture, the overall scalability of the blockchain can be improved. Sharding involves dividing the blockchain into smaller, manageable segments, or “shards,” enabling parallel processing of transactions. This approach reduces congestion and enhances transaction throughput.Overall, lightweight shard nodes play a crucial role in making blockchain networks more accessible and efficient, allowing users with less powerful devices to participate actively.