Network Delay Parameter

Definition ∞ A network delay parameter quantifies the time it takes for data to travel between nodes in a distributed computer network. This measurement accounts for various factors such as propagation delay, transmission delay, and processing delay, directly affecting the speed at which information propagates across the system. It is a critical factor in the performance and security of blockchain networks. Higher delays can impact transaction finality and consensus stability.
Context ∞ The network delay parameter is a key consideration in the design and optimization of blockchain protocols, frequently discussed in technical news and research. Efforts to reduce this parameter, often through network infrastructure improvements or optimized peer-to-peer communication, aim to enhance transaction throughput and reduce latency. Its influence on consensus mechanism efficiency is a continuous area of study.