High-Throughput Protocols

Definition ∞ High-throughput protocols are blockchain architectures or layer-2 solutions designed to process a significantly large number of transactions per second. These protocols prioritize speed and capacity to support widespread adoption and handle demand from many users. They address the scalability limitations of earlier blockchain designs, which often face congestion and high fees. Achieving high throughput is essential for applications requiring rapid and frequent data processing.
Context ∞ The pursuit of high-throughput protocols is a primary driver of innovation in the blockchain space, with many projects competing to deliver solutions that can rival traditional payment systems. Ongoing developments in sharding, optimistic rollups, and zero-knowledge rollups aim to meet these performance requirements. This technological race significantly impacts the viability of various decentralized applications and digital asset markets.