Peer to Peer Protocol

Definition ∞ A Peer to Peer Protocol represents a set of rules and procedures that enable direct communication and interaction between individual nodes within a decentralized network. This protocol allows participants to exchange data, assets, or services without the need for a central intermediary. It forms the foundational layer for distributed systems, ensuring censorship resistance and direct value transfer. This architecture promotes network autonomy.
Context ∞ The Peer to Peer Protocol is fundamental to blockchain technology, underpinning the distribution and verification of transactions across the network. A key discussion revolves around optimizing these protocols for scalability and efficiency in handling increasing transaction volumes. A critical future development involves enhancing the security and privacy features of peer-to-peer communication channels.