Fault Tolerant

Definition ∞ A Fault Tolerant system is designed to continue operating correctly even when one or more of its components fail. In blockchain technology, this capability is crucial for maintaining network availability and data integrity despite hardware malfunctions, software errors, or malicious attacks. By distributing data and processing across many nodes, the system can withstand individual failures without disrupting overall functionality. This resilience is a core attribute of robust decentralized networks.
Context ∞ The implementation of Fault Tolerant designs is a foundational aspect of secure and reliable blockchain infrastructure. Discussions frequently concern the various fault models a system must address, including Byzantine faults where components may act maliciously. Ongoing research aims to improve the efficiency and security of fault tolerance mechanisms, particularly for large-scale distributed ledgers.