Definition ∞ Distributed clock synchronization is the process of coordinating the internal clocks of multiple independent nodes within a distributed computing system. Since physical clocks drift, mechanisms are necessary to ensure that events are ordered consistently across the system, despite the absence of a single global time source. This coordination is vital for maintaining data consistency and correct operation in decentralized environments. It establishes a coherent timeline for system events.
Context ∞ In blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, distributed clock synchronization is a critical, yet complex, challenge. News often addresses how different consensus algorithms, like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake, indirectly achieve a form of event ordering that mitigates the need for precise physical clock synchronization. The difficulty of achieving true global time agreement in a decentralized network remains a subject of ongoing research and protocol development.
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