Fault Tolerance Bound

Definition ∞ A fault tolerance bound defines the maximum number of failures a system can withstand while continuing to operate correctly. This metric is crucial for assessing the reliability and resilience of distributed systems, including blockchain networks. It quantifies the system’s ability to maintain functionality despite individual component malfunctions.
Context ∞ In blockchain and distributed ledger technology, establishing a clear fault tolerance bound is vital for network security and data integrity. Consensus mechanisms, such as Proof of Work or Proof of Stake, are designed with specific fault tolerance properties to prevent malicious attacks or system breakdowns. Ongoing research aims to enhance these bounds, improving the robustness of decentralized networks against various forms of disruption.