Synchronous Network

Definition ∞ A synchronous network is a distributed system where all messages are guaranteed to be delivered within a known, finite time bound. In such networks, participants can assume that messages sent will arrive promptly, allowing for predictable communication and processing. This characteristic simplifies the design of certain consensus protocols.
Context ∞ While many real-world blockchain networks operate asynchronously, the concept of a synchronous network is important in theoretical discussions of distributed ledger technology and specific protocol designs. News or research might refer to synchronous models when discussing the security properties or performance limits of certain consensus algorithms. The ideal of synchronous communication offers a benchmark for network reliability.