explain the difference between bootnodes and static nodes (#1732)

* explain the difference between bootnodes and static nodes Signed-off-by: Sally MacFarlane <[email protected]> * Apply suggestions from code review Signed-off-by: Alexandra Carrillo <[email protected]> --------- Signed-off-by: Sally MacFarlane <[email protected]> Signed-off-by: Alexandra Carrillo <[email protected]> Co-authored-by: Alexandra Carrillo <[email protected]>
hyperledger · Nov 24, 2024 · 85dcf4c · 85dcf4c
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diff --git a/docs/private-networks/how-to/configure/bootnodes.md b/docs/private-networks/how-to/configure/bootnodes.md
@@ -18,6 +18,9 @@ In production networks, [configure two or more nodes as bootnodes](#configure-bo
 
 Bootnodes and static nodes are parallel methods for finding peers. Depending on your use case, you can use only bootnodes, only static nodes, or both bootnodes and static nodes.
 
+When connecting to bootnodes, Besu attempts to connect to all bootnodes at once, at startup.
+When connecting to static nodes, Besu attempts to reconnect periodically, if the connection fails or is lost.
+
 To find peers, configure one or more bootnodes. To configure a specific set of peer connections, use [static nodes](../../../public-networks/how-to/connect/static-nodes.md).
 
 :::

diff --git a/docs/public-networks/how-to/connect/static-nodes.md b/docs/public-networks/how-to/connect/static-nodes.md
@@ -17,6 +17,9 @@ Besu periodically initiates a connection to any unconnected static node. To miti
 
 Bootnodes and static nodes are both methods for finding peers. Depending on your use case, you can use only bootnodes, only static nodes, or both bootnodes and static nodes. 
 
+When connecting to bootnodes, Besu attempts to connect to all bootnodes at once, at startup.
+When connecting to static nodes, Besu attempts to reconnect periodically, if the connection fails or is lost.
+
 For example:
 * You run multiple nodes on Mainnet, using bootnodes for discovery, but want to ensure your nodes are always connected to each other, using static nodes.
 * You run a small network and want your nodes to reconnect if disconnected, using static nodes.