Hardware Acceleration

Definition ∞ Hardware acceleration is the use of specialized hardware components, such as GPUs or ASICs, to speed up computationally intensive tasks. In the context of blockchain, this can significantly enhance the performance of cryptographic operations, transaction processing, or mining activities. It allows for more efficient execution of complex algorithms compared to general-purpose CPUs.
Context ∞ Hardware acceleration plays an increasingly significant role in the scalability and efficiency of various blockchain networks, particularly those involved in computationally demanding processes like mining or complex smart contract execution. Debates often arise regarding the centralization risks associated with specialized hardware and the ongoing arms race for processing power. Developments are being closely monitored for their impact on network security and accessibility.