Communication Delay

Definition ∞ Communication delay refers to the time lag experienced in transmitting data or information across a network, particularly relevant in decentralized systems. In blockchain contexts, this delay can affect the propagation of transaction data and block information among nodes. Such delays can influence the speed at which network participants achieve consensus and process new transactions. Minimizing communication delays is a design objective for efficient distributed ledgers.
Context ∞ The impact of communication delays on blockchain performance and security is a persistent area of research and development. While some delay is inherent in distributed networks, excessive lag can lead to issues such as transaction reordering or temporary forks. Ongoing advancements in network protocols and infrastructure aim to reduce these delays, thereby enhancing the scalability and responsiveness of digital asset systems.