Definition ∞ A network scaling solution is a technology or method designed to increase the transaction processing capacity and speed of a blockchain network. These solutions aim to address limitations such as high transaction fees and slow confirmation times. Examples include Layer 2 protocols, sharding, and sidechains, which process transactions off the main chain or distribute the workload. Implementing such solutions is crucial for supporting wider adoption and complex applications.
Context ∞ The development and deployment of network scaling solutions are consistently central themes in cryptocurrency news, particularly for networks facing high demand. The effectiveness of these solutions in reducing costs and increasing throughput is a key metric for ecosystem growth. Ongoing research continues to seek more efficient and secure methods for expanding blockchain capabilities.