Decentralized Clock Network

Definition ∞ A decentralized clock network provides a reliable, tamper-resistant time source for distributed systems without relying on a single authority. This type of network establishes a synchronized time reference across multiple independent nodes, which is crucial for ordering events and validating transactions in a distributed ledger. It mitigates the risk of a single point of failure or manipulation inherent in centralized timekeeping mechanisms. The network achieves consensus on time by averaging inputs from various participants or using cryptographic proofs.
Context ∞ The establishment of a robust decentralized clock network is a significant technical challenge and an area of active research in blockchain infrastructure development. Its importance is growing as distributed applications demand precise, verifiable time synchronization for fair transaction ordering and event logging. News articles may discuss new protocols or upgrades aiming to enhance the accuracy and resilience of such timekeeping systems.