Horizontal Scalability

Definition ∞ Horizontal scalability refers to the ability of a system to increase its processing capacity by adding more machines or nodes to its distributed architecture. Instead of upgrading individual components, this method involves distributing the workload across a larger number of less powerful units. In blockchain networks, horizontal scalability allows the system to handle a greater volume of transactions by incorporating more participants or processing units. It is a critical attribute for high-throughput decentralized applications.
Context ∞ Horizontal scalability is a primary focus for many blockchain development teams aiming to overcome current transaction limitations. News articles frequently discuss various technical solutions, such as sharding or layer-two protocols, designed to achieve this. The challenge involves maintaining decentralization and security while expanding network capacity. Future advancements in this area are essential for mainstream adoption of blockchain technology.