Hash rate

In the context of a blockchain network, hash rate is a numeric representation of the computational power used to secure the network. The higher the hash rate, the more secure the network is against attacks and potential takeovers.

For mining hardware, the hash rate represents the speed at which it can perform hashing operations, which are used to solve proof-of-work algorithms. A higher hash rate indicates more mining power and potentially higher profitability, assuming factors like power consumption and current market price are constant.

Changes in the hash rate can impact the difficulty of mining new blocks. If the hash rate increases, the difficulty of the proof-of-work algorithm also increases, maintaining the balance and the block time.