Definition ∞ Linear throughput gains refer to an increase in a system’s processing capacity that is directly proportional to the addition of more resources. For example, if adding a new node doubles the network’s transaction processing rate, it demonstrates linear throughput gains. This characteristic indicates efficient scalability, where performance scales predictably with increased computational or network resources. It is a highly desirable property for growing digital infrastructures.
Context ∞ Achieving linear throughput gains is a primary objective in the development of scalable blockchain solutions, often discussed in the context of sharding and Layer 2 protocols. News reports frequently highlight projects that claim to have attained this level of scalability. A key challenge remains ensuring that these performance improvements do not compromise decentralization or security, leading to ongoing research into novel architectural designs and consensus mechanisms.