Network Usage Spike

Definition ∞ A network usage spike is a sudden and significant increase in the activity on a blockchain network, characterized by a rapid rise in transaction volume, active addresses, or smart contract interactions. Such spikes can be caused by new application launches, major market events, or increased user adoption. They often lead to higher transaction fees and slower processing times. It indicates heightened demand for network resources.
Context ∞ Network usage spikes are frequently reported in crypto news as an indicator of growing interest or specific events driving activity on a blockchain. Discussions often revolve around the network’s ability to handle such surges and the implications for scalability. A key development to watch is how protocols implement dynamic adjustments to manage these periods of high demand.