Network Connectivity

Definition ∞ Network connectivity refers to the ability of individual nodes or participants within a blockchain network to communicate and exchange data reliably. This includes maintaining stable connections for broadcasting transactions, receiving block updates, and participating in consensus mechanisms. Robust connectivity is essential for the timely propagation of information and the overall health of a decentralized ledger. Disruptions can lead to forks or transaction delays.
Context ∞ Issues with network connectivity can significantly impact the performance and security of blockchain systems, often appearing in news during periods of network congestion or distributed denial-of-service attacks. Developers continuously work to optimize peer-to-peer communication protocols to ensure high uptime and data availability. The global distribution of nodes and varying internet infrastructure present ongoing challenges for maintaining consistent network connectivity.