Definition ∞ Synchronous systems are distributed computing environments where all participating nodes operate with a synchronized clock and predictable message delivery times. In such systems, there are known upper bounds on message transmission delays and processing times, allowing for deterministic behavior and simpler consensus protocol design. This contrasts with asynchronous systems, where message delays are unbounded, posing greater challenges for achieving agreement. While offering performance advantages, pure synchronous models are rarely achieved in large-scale, open blockchain networks.
Context ∞ The theoretical properties of synchronous systems are often referenced in discussions about blockchain consensus mechanisms and their security guarantees. While most public blockchains operate asynchronously, research sometimes explores synchronous models for specific layer-2 solutions or permissioned ledgers. The ongoing debate concerns the practical applicability of synchronous assumptions in real-world, geographically dispersed digital asset networks.
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