Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has proposed an update to simplify the process of running Ethereum nodes, aiming to make it more accessible for individual users. The proposal suggests merging the backend programs used by nodes to interact with Ethereum's Beacon Chain and execution layer into a unified code structure. This change is intended to reduce the technical complexity currently required to run a node, which involves managing two separate programs. Buterin emphasized the importance of making node operation a user-friendly experience, arguing that running one's own Ethereum infrastructure should be a basic right. He criticized the current high hardware and skill requirements, which often force users to rely on third-party services, raising centralization concerns. Additionally, Buterin has previously proposed partially stateless nodes to further decentralize the network by reducing hardware and data storage needs.