Fairness Property

Definition ∞ A fairness property in distributed systems or blockchain protocols ensures that all participants have an equitable opportunity to contribute or receive rewards. It addresses the impartial distribution of resources, access, or outcomes among network actors. This characteristic helps prevent monopolization or undue influence by any single entity. Establishing fairness is crucial for maintaining the long-term health and decentralization of a system.
Context ∞ In the realm of blockchain consensus mechanisms, ensuring a fairness property is a continuous challenge, particularly regarding transaction ordering and block production. Debates often concern the prevention of miner extractable value (MEV) and the equitable distribution of staking rewards. Future protocol upgrades frequently aim to enhance fairness, thereby promoting broader participation and network resilience.