diff --git a/test/functional/abandonconflict.py b/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
index 887dbebd4..0439d168d 100755
--- a/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
+++ b/test/functional/abandonconflict.py
@@ -20,12 +20,7 @@ class AbandonConflictTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-minrelaytxfee=0.00001"]))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
+        self.extra_args = [["-minrelaytxfee=0.00001"], []]
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.nodes[1].generate(100)
diff --git a/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py b/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
index 63d05e8fc..bb83042f3 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip65-cltv-p2p.py
@@ -39,12 +39,7 @@ class BIP65Test(ComparisonTestFramework):
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Must set the blockversion for this test
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                 extra_args=[['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-blockversion=3']],
-                                 binary=[self.options.testbinary])
+        self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-blockversion=3']]
 
     def run_test(self):
         test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
diff --git a/test/functional/bip65-cltv.py b/test/functional/bip65-cltv.py
index 7f13bb995..ddf932c74 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip65-cltv.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip65-cltv.py
@@ -12,15 +12,12 @@ class BIP65Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 3
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.extra_args = [[], ["-blockversion=3"], ["-blockversion=4"]]
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, []))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-blockversion=3"]))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, ["-blockversion=4"]))
+        self.setup_nodes()
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 0)
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py b/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py
index 0867f4258..5a322e8c0 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip68-112-113-p2p.py
@@ -95,12 +95,7 @@ class BIP68_112_113Test(ComparisonTestFramework):
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Must set the blockversion for this test
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                 extra_args=[['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-blockversion=4']],
-                                 binary=[self.options.testbinary])
+        self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-blockversion=4']]
 
     def run_test(self):
         test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
diff --git a/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py b/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py
index 89d42a710..db66b7719 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip68-sequence.py
@@ -21,16 +21,11 @@ class BIP68Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.extra_args = [[], ["-acceptnonstdtxn=0"]]
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-acceptnonstdtxn=0"]))
-        self.is_network_split = False
+    def run_test(self):
         self.relayfee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()["relayfee"]
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
 
-    def run_test(self):
         # Generate some coins
         self.nodes[0].generate(110)
 
diff --git a/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py b/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
index 60d262da8..782eab3cc 100755
--- a/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
+++ b/test/functional/bip9-softforks.py
@@ -32,11 +32,7 @@ class BIP9SoftForksTest(ComparisonTestFramework):
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                 extra_args=[['-whitelist=127.0.0.1']],
-                                 binary=[self.options.testbinary])
+        self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1']]
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
diff --git a/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py b/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py
index 22bd39fbe..31c7ebba9 100755
--- a/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py
+++ b/test/functional/bipdersig-p2p.py
@@ -47,12 +47,6 @@ class BIP66Test(ComparisonTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Must set the blockversion for this test
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                 extra_args=[['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-blockversion=2']],
-                                 binary=[self.options.testbinary])
-
     def run_test(self):
         test = TestManager(self, self.options.tmpdir)
         test.add_all_connections(self.nodes)
diff --git a/test/functional/bipdersig.py b/test/functional/bipdersig.py
index 371cc41bb..41f88fb66 100755
--- a/test/functional/bipdersig.py
+++ b/test/functional/bipdersig.py
@@ -12,15 +12,12 @@ class BIP66Test(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 3
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.extra_args = [[], ["-blockversion=2"], ["-blockversion=3"]]
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, []))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-blockversion=2"]))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, ["-blockversion=3"]))
+        self.setup_nodes()
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 0)
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/blockchain.py b/test/functional/blockchain.py
index de5e01c2e..00ae3d757 100755
--- a/test/functional/blockchain.py
+++ b/test/functional/blockchain.py
@@ -35,12 +35,6 @@ class BlockchainTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
         self._test_gettxoutsetinfo()
         self._test_getblockheader()
diff --git a/test/functional/bumpfee.py b/test/functional/bumpfee.py
index c51a75cc2..54fd7740c 100755
--- a/test/functional/bumpfee.py
+++ b/test/functional/bumpfee.py
@@ -47,7 +47,6 @@ class BumpFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.nodes[1].walletpassphrase(WALLET_PASSPHRASE, WALLET_PASSPHRASE_TIMEOUT)
 
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/decodescript.py b/test/functional/decodescript.py
index 5555e96c4..21a9f1223 100755
--- a/test/functional/decodescript.py
+++ b/test/functional/decodescript.py
@@ -16,10 +16,6 @@ class DecodeScriptTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-
     def decodescript_script_sig(self):
         signature = '304502207fa7a6d1e0ee81132a269ad84e68d695483745cde8b541e3bf630749894e342a022100c1f7ab20e13e22fb95281a870f3dcf38d782e53023ee313d741ad0cfbc0c509001'
         push_signature = '48' + signature
diff --git a/test/functional/disablewallet.py b/test/functional/disablewallet.py
index 2f729e19b..3f77a1828 100755
--- a/test/functional/disablewallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/disablewallet.py
@@ -18,11 +18,7 @@ class DisableWalletTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
-
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, [['-disablewallet']])
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.extra_args = [["-disablewallet"]]
 
     def run_test (self):
         x = self.nodes[0].validateaddress('3J98t1WpEZ73CNmQviecrnyiWrnqRhWNLy')
diff --git a/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py b/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
index 6ec42c8ab..50d79db90 100755
--- a/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
+++ b/test/functional/disconnect_ban.py
@@ -20,10 +20,6 @@ class DisconnectBanTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
-
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Test setban and listbanned RPCs")
 
diff --git a/test/functional/forknotify.py b/test/functional/forknotify.py
index 7a365438c..9db61c835 100755
--- a/test/functional/forknotify.py
+++ b/test/functional/forknotify.py
@@ -16,8 +16,6 @@ class ForkNotifyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
-    alert_filename = None  # Set by setup_network
-
     def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = []
         self.alert_filename = os.path.join(self.options.tmpdir, "alert.txt")
@@ -30,7 +28,6 @@ class ForkNotifyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
                                 ["-blockversion=211"]))
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
 
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py b/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
index e0ca94a6b..9ddafeb61 100755
--- a/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
+++ b/test/functional/fundrawtransaction.py
@@ -23,15 +23,12 @@ class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 4
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,3)
-
-        self.is_network_split=False
-        self.sync_all()
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 1, 2)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 2)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 3)
 
     def run_test(self):
         min_relay_tx_fee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()['relayfee']
@@ -467,7 +464,6 @@ class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,3)
-        self.is_network_split=False
         self.sync_all()
 
         # drain the keypool
diff --git a/test/functional/getblocktemplate_proposals.py b/test/functional/getblocktemplate_proposals.py
index 67745f77d..fca99c7df 100755
--- a/test/functional/getblocktemplate_proposals.py
+++ b/test/functional/getblocktemplate_proposals.py
@@ -73,10 +73,6 @@ class GetBlockTemplateProposalTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
-
     def run_test(self):
         node = self.nodes[0]
         node.generate(1) # Mine a block to leave initial block download
diff --git a/test/functional/getchaintips.py b/test/functional/getchaintips.py
index 14222334a..15f96c565 100755
--- a/test/functional/getchaintips.py
+++ b/test/functional/getchaintips.py
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ class GetChainTipsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.split_network ()
         self.nodes[0].generate(10)
         self.nodes[2].generate(20)
-        self.sync_all ()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[:2], self.nodes[2:]])
 
         tips = self.nodes[1].getchaintips ()
         assert_equal (len (tips), 1)
diff --git a/test/functional/httpbasics.py b/test/functional/httpbasics.py
index 8f35f0ab8..4b32e8d9c 100755
--- a/test/functional/httpbasics.py
+++ b/test/functional/httpbasics.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
 
diff --git a/test/functional/importmulti.py b/test/functional/importmulti.py
index e04930263..9e3491c42 100755
--- a/test/functional/importmulti.py
+++ b/test/functional/importmulti.py
@@ -12,9 +12,8 @@ class ImportMultiTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(2, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.is_network_split=False
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
     def run_test (self):
         self.log.info("Mining blocks...")
diff --git a/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py b/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py
index b4c8ee6c7..94753fe43 100755
--- a/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py
+++ b/test/functional/importprunedfunds.py
@@ -14,12 +14,6 @@ class ImportPrunedFundsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
-        self.is_network_split=False
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Mining blocks...")
         self.nodes[0].generate(101)
diff --git a/test/functional/invalidateblock.py b/test/functional/invalidateblock.py
index 8c80b6400..c499d57b9 100755
--- a/test/functional/invalidateblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/invalidateblock.py
@@ -8,20 +8,15 @@ from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
 from test_framework.util import *
 
 class InvalidateTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
-    
-        
+
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.is_network_split = False 
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir))
-        
+        self.setup_nodes()
+
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Make sure we repopulate setBlockIndexCandidates after InvalidateBlock:")
         self.log.info("Mine 4 blocks on Node 0")
diff --git a/test/functional/keypool.py b/test/functional/keypool.py
index cb9ab688d..c276e64c7 100755
--- a/test/functional/keypool.py
+++ b/test/functional/keypool.py
@@ -84,8 +84,5 @@ class KeyPoolTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
-
 if __name__ == '__main__':
     KeyPoolTest().main()
diff --git a/test/functional/listsinceblock.py b/test/functional/listsinceblock.py
index a75e66c8c..f3d41e573 100755
--- a/test/functional/listsinceblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/listsinceblock.py
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ class ListSinceBlockTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         This test only checks that [tx0] is present.
         '''
 
-        assert_equal(self.is_network_split, False)
         self.nodes[2].generate(101)
         self.sync_all()
 
@@ -54,7 +53,6 @@ class ListSinceBlockTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Split network into two
         self.split_network()
-        assert_equal(self.is_network_split, True)
 
         # send to nodes[0] from nodes[2]
         senttx = self.nodes[2].sendtoaddress(self.nodes[0].getnewaddress(), 1)
@@ -64,7 +62,7 @@ class ListSinceBlockTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.nodes[2].generate(7)
         self.log.info('lastblockhash=%s' % (lastblockhash))
 
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[:2], self.nodes[2:]])
 
         self.join_network()
 
diff --git a/test/functional/listtransactions.py b/test/functional/listtransactions.py
index 68d14093c..cba370d8b 100755
--- a/test/functional/listtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/listtransactions.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class ListTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def setup_nodes(self):
         #This test requires mocktime
         enable_mocktime()
-        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
     def run_test(self):
         # Simple send, 0 to 1:
diff --git a/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py b/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
index b38fdc0f8..bff1b5323 100755
--- a/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
+++ b/test/functional/maxuploadtarget.py
@@ -35,15 +35,11 @@ class MaxUploadTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.extra_args = [["-maxuploadtarget=800", "-blockmaxsize=999000"]]
 
         # Cache for utxos, as the listunspent may take a long time later in the test
         self.utxo_cache = []
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Start a node with maxuploadtarget of 200 MB (/24h)
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxuploadtarget=800", "-blockmaxsize=999000"]))
-
     def run_test(self):
         # Before we connect anything, we first set the time on the node
         # to be in the past, otherwise things break because the CNode
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_limit.py b/test/functional/mempool_limit.py
index a7ca576ae..2777291dd 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_limit.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_limit.py
@@ -9,30 +9,25 @@ from test_framework.util import *
 
 class MempoolLimitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxmempool=5", "-spendzeroconfchange=0"]))
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
-        self.relayfee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()['relayfee']
-
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
-
-        self.txouts = gen_return_txouts()
+        self.extra_args = [["-maxmempool=5", "-spendzeroconfchange=0"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
+        txouts = gen_return_txouts()
+        relayfee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()['relayfee']
+
         txids = []
-        utxos = create_confirmed_utxos(self.relayfee, self.nodes[0], 91)
+        utxos = create_confirmed_utxos(relayfee, self.nodes[0], 91)
 
         #create a mempool tx that will be evicted
         us0 = utxos.pop()
         inputs = [{ "txid" : us0["txid"], "vout" : us0["vout"]}]
         outputs = {self.nodes[0].getnewaddress() : 0.0001}
         tx = self.nodes[0].createrawtransaction(inputs, outputs)
-        self.nodes[0].settxfee(self.relayfee) # specifically fund this tx with low fee
+        self.nodes[0].settxfee(relayfee) # specifically fund this tx with low fee
         txF = self.nodes[0].fundrawtransaction(tx)
         self.nodes[0].settxfee(0) # return to automatic fee selection
         txFS = self.nodes[0].signrawtransaction(txF['hex'])
@@ -42,7 +37,7 @@ class MempoolLimitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         base_fee = relayfee*100
         for i in range (3):
             txids.append([])
-            txids[i] = create_lots_of_big_transactions(self.nodes[0], self.txouts, utxos[30*i:30*i+30], 30, (i+1)*base_fee)
+            txids[i] = create_lots_of_big_transactions(self.nodes[0], txouts, utxos[30*i:30*i+30], 30, (i+1)*base_fee)
 
         # by now, the tx should be evicted, check confirmation state
         assert(txid not in self.nodes[0].getrawmempool())
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_packages.py b/test/functional/mempool_packages.py
index feec8a7fd..72f04095f 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_packages.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_packages.py
@@ -16,14 +16,7 @@ class MempoolPackagesTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxorphantx=1000"]))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxorphantx=1000", "-limitancestorcount=5"]))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
+        self.extra_args = [["-maxorphantx=1000"], ["-maxorphantx=1000", "-limitancestorcount=5"]]
 
     # Build a transaction that spends parent_txid:vout
     # Return amount sent
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py b/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py
index 812b54ffc..937bf4bab 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_reorg.py
@@ -17,18 +17,10 @@ class MempoolCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
+        self.extra_args = [["-checkmempool"]] * 2
 
     alert_filename = None  # Set by setup_network
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        args = ["-checkmempool"]
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, args))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, args))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
         # Start with a 200 block chain
         assert_equal(self.nodes[0].getblockcount(), 200)
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py b/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py
index 727892d1f..a2f6228df 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_resurrect_test.py
@@ -14,13 +14,8 @@ class MempoolCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_network(self):
         # Just need one node for this test
-        args = ["-checkmempool"]
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, args))
-        self.is_network_split = False
+        self.extra_args = [["-checkmempool"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
         node0_address = self.nodes[0].getnewaddress()
diff --git a/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py b/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
index f562a93d8..277ea45ad 100755
--- a/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
+++ b/test/functional/mempool_spendcoinbase.py
@@ -22,13 +22,7 @@ class MempoolSpendCoinbaseTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Just need one node for this test
-        args = ["-checkmempool"]
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, args))
-        self.is_network_split = False
+        self.extra_args = [["-checkmempool"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
         chain_height = self.nodes[0].getblockcount()
diff --git a/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py b/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py
index 5963f2e7b..06af72ef1 100755
--- a/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py
+++ b/test/functional/merkle_blocks.py
@@ -13,20 +13,15 @@ class MerkleBlockTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 4
+        # Nodes 0/1 are "wallet" nodes, Nodes 2/3 are used for testing
+        self.extra_args = [[], [], [], ["-txindex"]]
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        # Nodes 0/1 are "wallet" nodes
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir))
-        # Nodes 2/3 are used for testing
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(3, self.options.tmpdir, ["-txindex"]))
+        self.setup_nodes()
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 3)
 
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/multi_rpc.py b/test/functional/multi_rpc.py
index a9701c548..6ff91a960 100755
--- a/test/functional/multi_rpc.py
+++ b/test/functional/multi_rpc.py
@@ -27,9 +27,6 @@ class HTTPBasicsTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
             f.write(rpcauth+"\n")
             f.write(rpcauth2+"\n")
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
-
     def run_test(self):
 
         ##################################################
diff --git a/test/functional/net.py b/test/functional/net.py
index 9eae14045..16476f7d3 100755
--- a/test/functional/net.py
+++ b/test/functional/net.py
@@ -25,12 +25,6 @@ class NetTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
         self._test_connection_count()
         self._test_getnettotals()
diff --git a/test/functional/nulldummy.py b/test/functional/nulldummy.py
index 369c593a9..9717add27 100755
--- a/test/functional/nulldummy.py
+++ b/test/functional/nulldummy.py
@@ -41,11 +41,7 @@ class NULLDUMMYTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Must set the blockversion for this test
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                 extra_args=[['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-walletprematurewitness']])
+        self.extra_args = [['-whitelist=127.0.0.1', '-walletprematurewitness']]
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.address = self.nodes[0].getnewaddress()
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py b/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py
index 01d621a53..322cb767d 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-acceptblock.py
@@ -64,17 +64,13 @@ class AcceptBlockTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.extra_args = [[], ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1"]]
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # Node0 will be used to test behavior of processing unrequested blocks
         # from peers which are not whitelisted, while Node1 will be used for
         # the whitelisted case.
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                     binary=self.options.testbinary))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir,
-                                     ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1"],
-                                     binary=self.options.testbinary))
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
         # Setup the p2p connections and start up the network thread.
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py b/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py
index cf9608a65..9b302120a 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-compactblocks.py
@@ -98,17 +98,9 @@ class CompactBlocksTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         # Node0 = pre-segwit, node1 = segwit-aware
         self.num_nodes = 2
+        self.extra_args = [["-bip9params=segwit:0:0"], ["-txindex"]]
         self.utxos = []
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-
-        # Start up node0 to be a version 1, pre-segwit node.
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, 
-                [["-bip9params=segwit:0:0"], 
-                 ["-txindex"]])
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
-
     def build_block_on_tip(self, node, segwit=False):
         height = node.getblockcount()
         tip = node.getbestblockhash()
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py b/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py
index fe1a43ac5..dbccb633a 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-feefilter.py
@@ -43,14 +43,6 @@ class FeeFilterTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 2
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        # Node1 will be used to generate txs which should be relayed from Node0
-        # to our test node
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
-
     def run_test(self):
         node1 = self.nodes[1]
         node0 = self.nodes[0]
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py b/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py
index 4cc3107cf..33b57ef33 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-leaktests.py
@@ -92,10 +92,7 @@ class P2PLeakTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
-    def setup_network(self):
-        extra_args = [['-banscore='+str(banscore)]
-                      for i in range(self.num_nodes)]
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
+        self.extra_args = [['-banscore='+str(banscore)]]
 
     def run_test(self):
         no_version_bannode = CNodeNoVersionBan()
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py b/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py
index 188016e71..34ef249ee 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-mempool.py
@@ -17,10 +17,8 @@ class P2PMempoolTests(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def __init__(self):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
-        self.num_nodes = 2
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = [start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-peerbloomfilters=0"])]
+        self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.extra_args = [["-peerbloomfilters=0"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
         #connect a mininode
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py b/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
index 1bd7c9095..335777b2a 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-segwit.py
@@ -124,17 +124,13 @@ class SegWitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.extra_args = [["-whitelist=127.0.0.1"], ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-acceptnonstdtxn=0"], ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-bip9params=segwit:0:0"]]
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1"]))
-        # Start a node for testing IsStandard rules.
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-acceptnonstdtxn=0"]))
+        self.setup_nodes()
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
-
-        # Disable segwit's bip9 parameter to simulate upgrading after activation.
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, ["-whitelist=127.0.0.1", "-bip9params=segwit:0:0"]))
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
+        self.sync_all()
 
     ''' Helpers '''
     # Build a block on top of node0's tip.
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py b/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py
index 210e561e7..c3b29c215 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-timeouts.py
@@ -38,12 +38,6 @@ class TimeoutsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-
-        # Start up node0 to be a version 1, pre-segwit node.
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-
     def run_test(self):
         # Setup the p2p connections and start up the network thread.
         self.no_verack_node = TestNode() # never send verack
diff --git a/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py b/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
index 06cdd5f91..7254017e6 100755
--- a/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
+++ b/test/functional/p2p-versionbits-warning.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class VersionBitsWarningTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         with open(self.alert_filename, 'w', encoding='utf8') as _:
             pass
         self.extra_args = [["-alertnotify=echo %s >> \"" + self.alert_filename + "\""]]
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args)
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
     # Send numblocks blocks via peer with nVersionToUse set.
     def send_blocks_with_version(self, peer, numblocks, nVersionToUse):
diff --git a/test/functional/preciousblock.py b/test/functional/preciousblock.py
index 30b0b5a30..04b41e76b 100755
--- a/test/functional/preciousblock.py
+++ b/test/functional/preciousblock.py
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ class PreciousTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Ensure submitblock can in principle reorg to a competing chain")
diff --git a/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py b/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py
index 0b04ad17a..a07923edb 100755
--- a/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py
+++ b/test/functional/prioritise_transaction.py
@@ -14,17 +14,12 @@ class PrioritiseTransactionTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
+        self.extra_args = [["-printpriority=1"]]
 
+    def run_test(self):
         self.txouts = gen_return_txouts()
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.is_network_split = False
-
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-printpriority=1"]))
         self.relayfee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()['relayfee']
 
-    def run_test(self):
         utxo_count = 90
         utxos = create_confirmed_utxos(self.relayfee, self.nodes[0], utxo_count)
         base_fee = self.relayfee*100 # our transactions are smaller than 100kb
diff --git a/test/functional/proxy_test.py b/test/functional/proxy_test.py
index 748e3e69f..69384d9d8 100755
--- a/test/functional/proxy_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/proxy_test.py
@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ class ProxyTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
             ]
         if self.have_ipv6:
             args[3] = ['-listen', '-proxy=[%s]:%i' % (self.conf3.addr),'-proxyrandomize=0', '-noonion']
-        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=args)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=args)
 
     def node_test(self, node, proxies, auth, test_onion=True):
         rv = []
diff --git a/test/functional/pruning.py b/test/functional/pruning.py
index cc84c8c08..17019c658 100755
--- a/test/functional/pruning.py
+++ b/test/functional/pruning.py
@@ -32,31 +32,21 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 6
 
-        # Cache for utxos, as the listunspent may take a long time later in the test
-        self.utxo_cache_0 = []
-        self.utxo_cache_1 = []
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.is_network_split = False
-
-        # Create nodes 0 and 1 to mine
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=999000", "-checkblocks=5"], timewait=900))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=999000", "-checkblocks=5"], timewait=900))
-
-        # Create node 2 to test pruning
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-prune=550"], timewait=900))
-        self.prunedir = self.options.tmpdir+"/node2/regtest/blocks/"
-
+        # Create nodes 0 and 1 to mine.
+        # Create node 2 to test pruning.
         # Create nodes 3 and 4 to test manual pruning (they will be re-started with manual pruning later)
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(3, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=999000"], timewait=900))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(4, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000","-blockmaxsize=999000"], timewait=900))
-
         # Create nodes 5 to test wallet in prune mode, but do not connect
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(5, self.options.tmpdir, ["-prune=550"]))
+        self.extra_args = [["-maxreceivebuffer=20000", "-blockmaxsize=999000", "-checkblocks=5"],
+                           ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000", "-blockmaxsize=999000", "-checkblocks=5"],
+                           ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000", "-prune=550"],
+                           ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000", "-blockmaxsize=999000"],
+                           ["-maxreceivebuffer=20000", "-blockmaxsize=999000"],
+                           ["-prune=550"]]
 
-        # Determine default relay fee
-        self.relayfee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()["relayfee"]
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.setup_nodes()
+
+        self.prunedir = self.options.tmpdir + "/node2/regtest/blocks/"
 
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 2)
@@ -332,6 +322,14 @@ class PruneTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def run_test(self):
         self.log.info("Warning! This test requires 4GB of disk space and takes over 30 mins (up to 2 hours)")
         self.log.info("Mining a big blockchain of 995 blocks")
+
+        # Determine default relay fee
+        self.relayfee = self.nodes[0].getnetworkinfo()["relayfee"]
+
+        # Cache for utxos, as the listunspent may take a long time later in the test
+        self.utxo_cache_0 = []
+        self.utxo_cache_1 = []
+
         self.create_big_chain()
         # Chain diagram key:
         # *   blocks on main chain
diff --git a/test/functional/rawtransactions.py b/test/functional/rawtransactions.py
index d4c684136..35debf9ca 100755
--- a/test/functional/rawtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/rawtransactions.py
@@ -24,21 +24,9 @@ class RawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-
-        #connect to a local machine for debugging
-        #url = "http://bitcoinrpc:DP6DvqZtqXarpeNWyN3LZTFchCCyCUuHwNF7E8pX99x1@%s:%d" % ('127.0.0.1', 18332)
-        #proxy = AuthServiceProxy(url)
-        #proxy.url = url # store URL on proxy for info
-        #self.nodes.append(proxy)
-
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
+        super().setup_network()
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
 
-        self.is_network_split=False
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
 
         #prepare some coins for multiple *rawtransaction commands
diff --git a/test/functional/receivedby.py b/test/functional/receivedby.py
index 248bcdbd6..a1cae301c 100755
--- a/test/functional/receivedby.py
+++ b/test/functional/receivedby.py
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ class ReceivedByTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
     def setup_nodes(self):
         #This test requires mocktime
         enable_mocktime()
-        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
 
     def run_test(self):
         '''
diff --git a/test/functional/reindex.py b/test/functional/reindex.py
index 0cebb0466..8b8c5f3e7 100755
--- a/test/functional/reindex.py
+++ b/test/functional/reindex.py
@@ -24,9 +24,6 @@ class ReindexTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-
     def reindex(self, justchainstate=False):
         self.nodes[0].generate(3)
         blockcount = self.nodes[0].getblockcount()
diff --git a/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py b/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py
index 163c304eb..e940ce535 100755
--- a/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py
+++ b/test/functional/replace-by-fee.py
@@ -65,17 +65,12 @@ class ReplaceByFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.num_nodes = 1
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-maxorphantx=1000",
-                                                              "-whitelist=127.0.0.1",
-                                                              "-limitancestorcount=50",
-                                                              "-limitancestorsize=101",
-                                                              "-limitdescendantcount=200",
-                                                              "-limitdescendantsize=101"
-                                                              ]))
-        self.is_network_split = False
+        self.extra_args= [["-maxorphantx=1000",
+                           "-whitelist=127.0.0.1",
+                           "-limitancestorcount=50",
+                           "-limitancestorsize=101",
+                           "-limitdescendantcount=200",
+                           "-limitdescendantsize=101"]]
 
     def run_test(self):
         make_utxo(self.nodes[0], 1*COIN)
diff --git a/test/functional/rest.py b/test/functional/rest.py
index 776211d30..fbcceba0f 100755
--- a/test/functional/rest.py
+++ b/test/functional/rest.py
@@ -49,12 +49,8 @@ class RESTTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        self.is_network_split=False
-        self.sync_all()
+        super().setup_network()
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 2)
 
     def run_test(self):
         url = urllib.parse.urlparse(self.nodes[0].url)
diff --git a/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py b/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py
index f6175c8ca..fd81b02ea 100755
--- a/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py
+++ b/test/functional/rpcnamedargs.py
@@ -22,11 +22,6 @@ class NamedArgumentTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = False
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        self.sync_all()
-
     def run_test(self):
         node = self.nodes[0]
         h = node.help(command='getinfo')
diff --git a/test/functional/segwit.py b/test/functional/segwit.py
index a1fffcb81..ac95d6646 100755
--- a/test/functional/segwit.py
+++ b/test/functional/segwit.py
@@ -80,16 +80,13 @@ class SegWitTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
+        self.extra_args = [["-walletprematurewitness", "-rpcserialversion=0"],
+                           ["-blockversion=4", "-promiscuousmempoolflags=517", "-prematurewitness", "-walletprematurewitness", "-rpcserialversion=1"],
+                           ["-blockversion=536870915", "-promiscuousmempoolflags=517", "-prematurewitness", "-walletprematurewitness"]]
 
     def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(0, self.options.tmpdir, ["-walletprematurewitness", "-rpcserialversion=0"]))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, ["-blockversion=4", "-promiscuousmempoolflags=517", "-prematurewitness", "-walletprematurewitness", "-rpcserialversion=1"]))
-        self.nodes.append(start_node(2, self.options.tmpdir, ["-blockversion=536870915", "-promiscuousmempoolflags=517", "-prematurewitness", "-walletprematurewitness"]))
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 0)
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
+        super().setup_network()
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def success_mine(self, node, txid, sign, redeem_script=""):
diff --git a/test/functional/sendheaders.py b/test/functional/sendheaders.py
index ef20d4223..97d64c0d9 100755
--- a/test/functional/sendheaders.py
+++ b/test/functional/sendheaders.py
@@ -182,11 +182,6 @@ class SendHeadersTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
 
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = []
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 1)
-
     # mine count blocks and return the new tip
     def mine_blocks(self, count):
         # Clear out last block announcement from each p2p listener
diff --git a/test/functional/signmessages.py b/test/functional/signmessages.py
index 91f5abef5..bfde8e40e 100755
--- a/test/functional/signmessages.py
+++ b/test/functional/signmessages.py
@@ -14,10 +14,6 @@ class SignMessagesTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-
     def run_test(self):
         message = 'This is just a test message'
 
diff --git a/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py b/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py
index b24162ab9..fc49c23b9 100755
--- a/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py
+++ b/test/functional/signrawtransactions.py
@@ -14,10 +14,6 @@ class SignRawTransactionsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-
     def successful_signing_test(self):
         """Create and sign a valid raw transaction with one input.
 
diff --git a/test/functional/smartfees.py b/test/functional/smartfees.py
index b7f4b86e7..19ffe9e85 100755
--- a/test/functional/smartfees.py
+++ b/test/functional/smartfees.py
@@ -203,7 +203,6 @@ class EstimateFeeTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 2)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
 
-        self.is_network_split = False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def transact_and_mine(self, numblocks, mining_node):
diff --git a/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py b/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
index 473b7c14a..e912dcbaf 100755
--- a/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
+++ b/test/functional/test_framework/test_framework.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ from .util import (
     initialize_chain,
     start_nodes,
     connect_nodes_bi,
+    disconnect_nodes,
     sync_blocks,
     sync_mempools,
     stop_nodes,
@@ -56,52 +57,42 @@ class BitcoinTestFramework(object):
         stop_node(self.nodes[num_node], num_node)
 
     def setup_nodes(self):
-        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
+        extra_args = None
+        if hasattr(self, "extra_args"):
+            extra_args = self.extra_args
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args)
 
-    def setup_network(self, split = False):
-        self.nodes = self.setup_nodes()
+    def setup_network(self):
+        self.setup_nodes()
 
         # Connect the nodes as a "chain".  This allows us
         # to split the network between nodes 1 and 2 to get
         # two halves that can work on competing chains.
-
-        # If we joined network halves, connect the nodes from the joint
-        # on outward.  This ensures that chains are properly reorganised.
-        if not split:
-            connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 1, 2)
-            sync_blocks(self.nodes[1:3])
-            sync_mempools(self.nodes[1:3])
-
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 2, 3)
-        self.is_network_split = split
+        for i in range(self.num_nodes - 1):
+            connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, i, i + 1)
         self.sync_all()
 
     def split_network(self):
         """
         Split the network of four nodes into nodes 0/1 and 2/3.
         """
-        assert not self.is_network_split
-        stop_nodes(self.nodes)
-        self.setup_network(True)
-
-    def sync_all(self):
-        if self.is_network_split:
-            sync_blocks(self.nodes[:2])
-            sync_blocks(self.nodes[2:])
-            sync_mempools(self.nodes[:2])
-            sync_mempools(self.nodes[2:])
-        else:
-            sync_blocks(self.nodes)
-            sync_mempools(self.nodes)
+        disconnect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 2)
+        disconnect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
+        self.sync_all([self.nodes[:2], self.nodes[2:]])
+
+    def sync_all(self, node_groups=None):
+        if not node_groups:
+            node_groups = [self.nodes]
+
+        [sync_blocks(group) for group in node_groups]
+        [sync_mempools(group) for group in node_groups]
 
     def join_network(self):
         """
         Join the (previously split) network halves together.
         """
-        assert self.is_network_split
-        stop_nodes(self.nodes)
-        self.setup_network(False)
+        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 1, 2)
+        self.sync_all()
 
     def main(self):
 
diff --git a/test/functional/test_framework/util.py b/test/functional/test_framework/util.py
index 899b0b5a1..9186c3cbe 100644
--- a/test/functional/test_framework/util.py
+++ b/test/functional/test_framework/util.py
@@ -315,7 +315,7 @@ def start_node(i, dirname, extra_args=None, rpchost=None, timewait=None, binary=
     datadir = os.path.join(dirname, "node"+str(i))
     if binary is None:
         binary = os.getenv("BITCOIND", "bitcoind")
-    args = [binary, "-datadir=" + datadir, "-server", "-keypool=1", "-discover=0", "-rest", "-logtimemicros", "-debug", "-debugexclude=libevent", "-debugexclude=leveldb", "-mocktime=" + str(get_mocktime())]
+    args = [binary, "-datadir=" + datadir, "-server", "-keypool=1", "-discover=0", "-rest", "-logtimemicros", "-debug", "-debugexclude=libevent", "-debugexclude=leveldb", "-mocktime=" + str(get_mocktime()), "-uacomment=testnode%d" % i]
     if extra_args is not None: args.extend(extra_args)
     bitcoind_processes[i] = subprocess.Popen(args, stderr=stderr)
     logger.debug("initialize_chain: bitcoind started, waiting for RPC to come up")
@@ -354,6 +354,8 @@ def start_nodes(num_nodes, dirname, extra_args=None, rpchost=None, timewait=None
     """
     if extra_args is None: extra_args = [ None for _ in range(num_nodes) ]
     if binary is None: binary = [ None for _ in range(num_nodes) ]
+    assert_equal(len(extra_args), num_nodes)
+    assert_equal(len(binary), num_nodes)
     rpcs = []
     try:
         for i in range(num_nodes):
@@ -385,6 +387,17 @@ def set_node_times(nodes, t):
     for node in nodes:
         node.setmocktime(t)
 
+def disconnect_nodes(from_connection, node_num):
+    for peer_id in [peer['id'] for peer in from_connection.getpeerinfo() if "testnode%d" % node_num in peer['subver']]:
+        from_connection.disconnectnode(nodeid=peer_id)
+
+    for _ in range(50):
+        if [peer['id'] for peer in from_connection.getpeerinfo() if "testnode%d" % node_num in peer['subver']] == []:
+            break
+        time.sleep(0.1)
+    else:
+        raise AssertionError("timed out waiting for disconnect")
+
 def connect_nodes(from_connection, node_num):
     ip_port = "127.0.0.1:"+str(p2p_port(node_num))
     from_connection.addnode(ip_port, "onetry")
diff --git a/test/functional/txn_clone.py b/test/functional/txn_clone.py
index 7a3b8d347..9b81af96c 100755
--- a/test/functional/txn_clone.py
+++ b/test/functional/txn_clone.py
@@ -20,7 +20,9 @@ class TxnMallTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # Start with split network:
-        return super(TxnMallTest, self).setup_network(True)
+        super(TxnMallTest, self).setup_network()
+        disconnect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 2)
+        disconnect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
 
     def run_test(self):
         # All nodes should start with 1,250 BTC:
diff --git a/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py b/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py
index 5b12cf4c2..1bd3b3271 100755
--- a/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py
+++ b/test/functional/txn_doublespend.py
@@ -20,7 +20,9 @@ class TxnMallTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
     def setup_network(self):
         # Start with split network:
-        return super(TxnMallTest, self).setup_network(True)
+        super().setup_network()
+        disconnect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 2)
+        disconnect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 1)
 
     def run_test(self):
         # All nodes should start with 1,250 BTC:
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py b/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py
index ea12d4ec2..700f06b2c 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-accounts.py
@@ -24,11 +24,7 @@ class WalletAccountsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 1
-        self.node_args = [[]]
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.node_args)
-        self.is_network_split = False
+        self.extra_args = [[]]
 
     def run_test (self):
         node = self.nodes[0]
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet-hd.py b/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
index 64a6c9278..4ad458f3e 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet-hd.py
@@ -22,12 +22,7 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         super().__init__()
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 2
-        self.node_args = [['-usehd=0'], ['-usehd=1', '-keypool=0']]
-
-    def setup_network(self):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.node_args)
-        self.is_network_split = False
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
+        self.extra_args = [['-usehd=0'], ['-usehd=1', '-keypool=0']]
 
     def run_test (self):
         tmpdir = self.options.tmpdir
@@ -35,7 +30,7 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # Make sure can't switch off usehd after wallet creation
         self.stop_node(1)
         assert_start_raises_init_error(1, self.options.tmpdir, ['-usehd=0'], 'already existing HD wallet')
-        self.nodes[1] = start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.node_args[1])
+        self.nodes[1] = start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1])
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
 
         # Make sure we use hd, keep masterkeyid
@@ -82,7 +77,7 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.stop_node(1)
         os.remove(self.options.tmpdir + "/node1/regtest/wallet.dat")
         shutil.copyfile(tmpdir + "/hd.bak", tmpdir + "/node1/regtest/wallet.dat")
-        self.nodes[1] = start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.node_args[1])
+        self.nodes[1] = start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1])
         #connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
 
         # Assert that derivation is deterministic
@@ -96,7 +91,7 @@ class WalletHDTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
 
         # Needs rescan
         self.stop_node(1)
-        self.nodes[1] = start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.node_args[1] + ['-rescan'])
+        self.nodes[1] = start_node(1, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[1] + ['-rescan'])
         #connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes, 0, 1)
         assert_equal(self.nodes[1].getbalance(), num_hd_adds + 1)
 
diff --git a/test/functional/wallet.py b/test/functional/wallet.py
index 558ffadfd..57f6dfdaa 100755
--- a/test/functional/wallet.py
+++ b/test/functional/wallet.py
@@ -20,12 +20,11 @@ class WalletTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.num_nodes = 4
         self.extra_args = [['-usehd={:d}'.format(i%2==0)] for i in range(4)]
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
+    def setup_network(self):
         self.nodes = start_nodes(3, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args[:3])
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        self.is_network_split=False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test(self):
diff --git a/test/functional/walletbackup.py b/test/functional/walletbackup.py
index af1718572..0492132af 100755
--- a/test/functional/walletbackup.py
+++ b/test/functional/walletbackup.py
@@ -44,14 +44,12 @@ class WalletBackupTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
         # nodes 1, 2,3 are spenders, let's give them a keypool=100
         self.extra_args = [["-keypool=100"], ["-keypool=100"], ["-keypool=100"], []]
 
-    # This mirrors how the network was setup in the bash test
     def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, self.extra_args)
+        self.setup_nodes()
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[0], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[1], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 3)
         connect_nodes(self.nodes[2], 0)
-        self.is_network_split=False
         self.sync_all()
 
     def one_send(self, from_node, to_address):
diff --git a/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py b/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
index ce446e44a..7987edeb5 100755
--- a/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
+++ b/test/functional/zapwallettxes.py
@@ -23,13 +23,9 @@ class ZapWalletTXesTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.setup_clean_chain = True
         self.num_nodes = 3
 
-    def setup_network(self, split=False):
-        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,1)
-        connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,1,2)
+    def setup_network(self):
+        super().setup_network()
         connect_nodes_bi(self.nodes,0,2)
-        self.is_network_split=False
-        self.sync_all()
 
     def run_test (self):
         self.log.info("Mining blocks...")
diff --git a/test/functional/zmq_test.py b/test/functional/zmq_test.py
index 891b609ff..a72630406 100755
--- a/test/functional/zmq_test.py
+++ b/test/functional/zmq_test.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class ZMQTest (BitcoinTestFramework):
         self.zmqSubSocket.setsockopt(zmq.SUBSCRIBE, b"hashblock")
         self.zmqSubSocket.setsockopt(zmq.SUBSCRIBE, b"hashtx")
         self.zmqSubSocket.connect("tcp://127.0.0.1:%i" % self.port)
-        return start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
+        self.nodes = start_nodes(self.num_nodes, self.options.tmpdir, extra_args=[
             ['-zmqpubhashtx=tcp://127.0.0.1:'+str(self.port), '-zmqpubhashblock=tcp://127.0.0.1:'+str(self.port)],
             [],
             [],