Network Pause

Definition ∞ A temporary cessation of network operations, typically implemented to address critical security vulnerabilities, perform essential maintenance, or mitigate severe network congestion. This action halts transaction processing and block creation to allow for corrective measures before normal operations resume. It is a drastic but sometimes necessary step to safeguard network integrity.
Context ∞ News concerning a ‘Network Pause’ usually signifies a critical event, often related to a discovered exploit or an impending system failure. Such announcements are closely watched for their duration, the reasons cited, and the planned remediation steps. The frequency and necessity of network pauses can also be indicators of a protocol’s maturity and robustness.