Definition ∞ Low Latency BFT refers to Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus protocols designed to achieve transaction finality with minimal delay. These protocols enable a distributed network to reach agreement quickly, even in the presence of malicious or faulty nodes. They prioritize rapid confirmation times, making them suitable for applications requiring high throughput and responsiveness. Such systems are critical for real-time digital asset operations.
Context ∞ The development of Low Latency BFT protocols is a key area of advancement for blockchain networks seeking to support mainstream financial applications. Debates often involve the trade-offs between speed, decentralization, and the number of participants a protocol can efficiently support. Research aims to scale these protocols to larger networks while maintaining their performance characteristics. These innovations are fundamental for the widespread adoption of digital assets in high-frequency environments.