What is the Context of Network Timing Assumptions?

In blockchain consensus protocols, network timing assumptions are critical for assessing the protocol's resilience to network delays and malicious actors. Proof-of-Work systems operate under weaker timing assumptions, allowing for greater network decentralization, while some BFT protocols require stronger, partially synchronous assumptions for liveness. Unrealistic timing assumptions can lead to vulnerabilities or reduce a network's ability to process transactions consistently. The ongoing refinement of these assumptions helps developers build more robust and performant decentralized networks.

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Network Timing Assumptions

Definition

Network timing assumptions are the hypotheses made about the latency, synchronization, and message delivery speeds within a distributed network. These assumptions are fundamental to the design and security analysis of consensus protocols, determining how quickly nodes can exchange information and reach agreement. Protocols are often categorized as synchronous, asynchronous, or partially synchronous based on their timing assumptions. Realistic timing models are crucial for ensuring the reliability and liveness of decentralized systems.