Synchronous Network Model

Definition ∞ A synchronous network model assumes that messages between network participants are delivered within a known, fixed time bound. In this theoretical model, all nodes have synchronized clocks, and message delays are predictably bounded, allowing for deterministic reasoning about system behavior. This simplification aids in designing and analyzing certain distributed algorithms, particularly consensus protocols. It contrasts with asynchronous models where delays are arbitrary.
Context ∞ The synchronous network model is a foundational concept in distributed systems research, frequently referenced in technical discussions about blockchain consensus mechanisms. While real-world networks are rarely perfectly synchronous, this model provides a useful theoretical framework for proving the safety and liveness properties of protocols. News sometimes touches upon how closely a new blockchain design approximates synchronous behavior for performance guarantees.