Constant Communication Cost

Definition ∞ Constant Communication Cost refers to a consistent expenditure associated with data transmission and exchange within a distributed network, irrespective of the transaction’s complexity or value. This cost can manifest as network fees or computational overhead required for maintaining consensus and data integrity. In blockchain systems, it relates to the resources consumed for broadcasting and validating information across nodes. Maintaining a predictable communication cost is vital for system stability and user experience.
Context ∞ The concept of Constant Communication Cost is central to ongoing discussions about blockchain scalability and the economic viability of decentralized applications. Efforts to optimize network protocols frequently aim to reduce this cost, particularly for microtransactions, to foster wider adoption. The balance between security, decentralization, and efficient communication remains a primary challenge for protocol developers.