Protocol Engineering

Definition ∞ Protocol engineering involves the systematic design, development, and optimization of communication protocols. This discipline focuses on ensuring protocols are secure, efficient, and interoperable. It encompasses specifying rules for data exchange and interaction within a system. Rigorous engineering is essential for reliable network operation.
Context ∞ In the digital asset space, protocol engineering is fundamental to the creation and maintenance of blockchain networks and decentralized applications. News regarding network upgrades, new blockchain launches, or interoperability solutions often concerns advancements in protocol engineering. The quality of this engineering directly impacts a system’s security, scalability, and performance.