Definition ∞ Blockchain infrastructure scalability refers to a blockchain network’s ability to process an increasing number of transactions and users without compromising performance. This capacity is critical for widespread adoption of decentralized applications and digital assets, as it addresses the limitations of early blockchain designs in handling high transaction volumes. Solutions include layer-2 protocols, sharding, and alternative consensus mechanisms, all designed to enhance transaction throughput and reduce network congestion. Achieving high scalability is a primary objective for many next-generation blockchain projects.
Context ∞ Blockchain infrastructure scalability remains a central discussion point in the digital asset space, as networks strive to accommodate global demand. The ongoing competition among various scaling solutions, such as rollups and sidechains, highlights differing technical approaches and trade-offs. Watching the performance and adoption rates of these scaling technologies will be crucial for discerning future industry leaders.