Subset Sampling

Definition ∞ Subset Sampling is a technique where a small, randomly selected group of participants from a larger network is chosen to perform a specific task, such as validating a transaction or reaching a micro-consensus. This method reduces the computational burden on individual nodes while maintaining statistical security. It is used to improve efficiency in large distributed systems.
Context ∞ Subset sampling is a key innovation in certain modern blockchain consensus mechanisms, often highlighted in news about scalability and efficiency improvements. By not requiring every node to process every piece of information, protocols employing subset sampling can achieve higher transaction throughput. This approach is central to the design of some next-generation decentralized networks aiming for greater performance.