Definition ∞ A replicated state machine is a computational model where multiple copies of a system’s state are maintained across different servers, ensuring consistency and fault tolerance. In blockchain and distributed ledger technologies, this concept means that every node independently processes the same sequence of transactions, arriving at an identical and verifiable global state. This redundancy protects against individual node failures or malicious actions, as the system can continue operating correctly as long as a majority of replicas remain honest. It is a fundamental building block for achieving strong data integrity and availability in decentralized networks.
Context ∞ The replicated state machine approach is central to many distributed consensus protocols, including those used in major blockchains. Challenges often involve optimizing the replication process to minimize latency and maximize throughput while maintaining strong security guarantees. Research continues to explore more efficient and scalable ways to manage replicated states, particularly for networks with a large number of participants.
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