Definition ∞ Peer-to-peer systems are decentralized networks where participants interact directly with each other without a central authority or intermediary. This architecture facilitates direct exchange of data and value, enhancing censorship resistance and user autonomy. Blockchain technology fundamentally operates as a peer-to-peer system, enabling trustless transactions and distributed ledger maintenance.
Context ∞ The current focus on peer-to-peer systems within the digital asset domain emphasizes their role in creating resilient and permissionless financial infrastructures. Discussions frequently address the trade-offs between decentralization and scalability, particularly in achieving high transaction throughput. Ongoing research aims to optimize routing protocols and privacy features to improve the efficiency and security of these direct interaction networks.