Network Delay Tolerance

Definition ∞ Network delay tolerance refers to a blockchain network’s ability to function correctly and maintain consensus despite varying levels of latency in data transmission between nodes. This characteristic is vital for decentralized systems, where participants are geographically distributed and network conditions can differ significantly. A high delay tolerance means the protocol can reliably process transactions and confirm blocks even when there are delays in information propagation. It directly impacts the robustness and security of the network against certain types of attacks.
Context ∞ Optimizing network delay tolerance is a key engineering challenge for blockchain developers, particularly as networks scale globally. News often highlights protocol improvements or new consensus mechanisms designed to enhance this attribute. The success in managing network delays influences a blockchain’s overall performance and resilience.