Epidemic Protocols

Definition ∞ Epidemic Protocols are sets of rules or algorithms designed to manage the spread of information or resources within a distributed system in a manner analogous to biological epidemics. These protocols often employ mechanisms for propagation, replication, and eventual stabilization or containment. They are utilized in peer-to-peer networks to ensure data dissemination and system resilience. Their design aims to achieve broad coverage and robustness against network partitions or node failures.
Context ∞ The application of Epidemic Protocols is a recurring theme in the development of decentralized communication systems, distributed databases, and peer-to-peer file sharing technologies. Discussions often focus on their efficiency, scalability, and resistance to adversarial manipulation. Understanding these protocols provides context for news concerning the underlying architecture of decentralized applications and blockchain networks.