System Liveness

Definition ∞ System liveness refers to the property of a decentralized system, such as a blockchain, to consistently process transactions and maintain operational status. It ensures that the network remains active and responsive, capable of reaching consensus and executing operations without undue delay or failure. This is a fundamental characteristic for the usability and dependability of digital asset networks.
Context ∞ System liveness is a critical metric discussed in relation to network performance, consensus algorithm efficiency, and the overall robustness of blockchain protocols. Concerns about network congestion, validator participation, and potential attack vectors that could impair liveness are frequent topics of analysis.