Network Adjustment

Definition ∞ A network adjustment refers to changes made to a blockchain’s operational parameters. This term describes modifications to a blockchain protocol’s fundamental settings, such as mining difficulty, block reward schedules, or transaction fees, often implemented to maintain network stability, security, or economic viability. These adjustments can occur automatically based on predefined algorithms or through community-driven governance proposals. They are essential for adapting the network to changing conditions, including fluctuations in hash rate or transaction volume.
Context ∞ Crypto news frequently reports on network adjustments, especially those related to Bitcoin’s difficulty adjustments or Ethereum’s fee market changes. Discussions often revolve around the impact of these adjustments on miner profitability, network security, and user transaction costs. Future network adjustments will likely focus on scalability solutions and energy efficiency as blockchain technology continues to evolve, addressing environmental concerns.