Block Production Chokepoints

Definition ∞ Points in a blockchain network where block creation can be bottlenecked or centralized. These limitations can arise from a small number of validators, high hardware requirements, or specific protocol designs. Such concentrations of power or resources can hinder network decentralization and resistance to censorship. They often relate to the consensus mechanism employed by a blockchain.
Context ∞ The issue of block production chokepoints is a recurring topic in discussions about blockchain scalability and decentralization. A key debate involves balancing network efficiency with the distribution of block production power to prevent undue influence. Future efforts focus on sharding solutions and more equitable validator selection mechanisms to mitigate these points of concentration.