Synchronous Communication

Definition ∞ Synchronous communication in distributed systems, such as blockchains, refers to a model where messages sent between network participants are assumed to be delivered within a known, fixed time bound. This assumption simplifies protocol design and can lead to faster transaction finality. However, it requires strong network reliability and can be challenging to maintain in geographically dispersed or unreliable environments. Many traditional distributed systems rely on this model.
Context ∞ Synchronous communication is often discussed in the context of specific blockchain consensus protocols, particularly those prioritizing speed and deterministic finality. News reports might compare protocols operating under synchronous versus asynchronous network assumptions, highlighting the trade-offs in performance and robustness. The feasibility and implications of achieving true synchronous communication in a global decentralized network remain a subject of ongoing research.