Consensus Disagreement

Definition ∞ Consensus disagreement occurs when different parts of a decentralized network cannot agree on the correct order or validity of transactions. This state prevents the uniform addition of new blocks to the blockchain, leading to a temporary halt or divergence in the ledger’s progression. It can result from network latency, software version discrepancies among nodes, or deliberate attempts to manipulate the chain state. Such a lack of accord directly impacts the reliability and finality of transactions within the system.
Context ∞ Consensus disagreement is a key issue highlighted during network performance analyses or post-mortems of temporary blockchain service interruptions. Developers continuously work to refine consensus algorithms and propagation mechanisms to minimize the probability of such events. Ensuring consistent agreement across all participants is paramount for maintaining a functional and trustworthy digital asset system.