System Reboot

Definition ∞ A system reboot in the blockchain context refers to the restart or reset of a network or a significant component of its infrastructure. This action is typically performed to resolve critical technical issues, implement major protocol upgrades, or recover from a severe operational failure or attack. A blockchain system reboot can involve coordinating validators to restart their nodes, rolling back the chain to a previous state, or deploying a new version of the protocol. Such events can cause temporary network downtime and require careful coordination to maintain data integrity.
Context ∞ News reports on system reboots often follow major network outages or security incidents, indicating a critical intervention to restore functionality. Debates exist regarding the implications of reboots for blockchain immutability and decentralization, especially when requiring centralized coordination. Future developments aim to build more resilient and self-healing blockchain architectures that minimize the need for manual reboots and enhance continuous network operation.