Block Relaying

Definition ∞ Block Relaying describes the process where a newly validated block of transactions is broadcast across a blockchain network by a mining or validating node. This propagation ensures that all participating nodes receive and verify the new block, allowing them to update their copy of the distributed ledger. Efficient block relaying is crucial for maintaining network synchronization and minimizing the risk of forks or orphaned blocks. It facilitates the consistent growth and security of the blockchain.
Context ∞ The efficiency of Block Relaying directly impacts the speed and decentralization of a blockchain network. Current discussions often concern network latency and bandwidth limitations, which can affect how quickly new blocks reach all nodes. A critical future development involves optimizing relay networks and consensus mechanisms to ensure rapid and reliable block propagation, particularly as transaction volumes and network sizes increase.