Full Node Synchronization

Definition ∞ Full node synchronization is the process by which a new or offline full node on a blockchain network downloads and verifies the entire historical transaction ledger. This involves validating every block and transaction against the network’s consensus rules, ensuring a complete and accurate copy of the blockchain. It is a resource-intensive operation, requiring significant bandwidth, storage, and processing power. Proper synchronization is vital for network security and decentralization.
Context ∞ Discussions around full node synchronization often concern the barriers to entry for individuals wishing to support network decentralization due to hardware and internet requirements. News related to blockchain upgrades or new network launches may address improvements in synchronization efficiency. The number of active, synchronized full nodes is a key metric for assessing the health and resilience of a blockchain network.