Fault Tolerance System

Definition ∞ A Fault Tolerance System is a design approach within blockchain networks that allows the system to continue operating correctly even when some of its components fail or behave maliciously. This capability is achieved through redundancy, error detection, and recovery mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted service and data integrity. It is crucial for maintaining the reliability and availability of decentralized ledgers, particularly in the presence of network outages or adversarial attacks. Such systems prevent single points of failure from compromising the entire network.
Context ∞ The ongoing discussion surrounding Fault Tolerance Systems in blockchain often centers on the practical implementation of Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT) algorithms. A key debate involves optimizing the trade-off between the level of fault tolerance, transaction throughput, and network latency. Critical future developments will include advancements in more efficient and scalable BFT protocols, alongside methods for dynamic adaptation to changing network conditions, further strengthening the resilience of distributed systems.