Peer-to-peer (P2P)
network · decentralization
A network model where participants interact directly without central intermediaries.
Peer-to-peer systems connect participants directly, allowing them to exchange data or value without a central server. Blockchains like Bitcoin Cash use P2P networking to relay transactions and blocks among nodes.
Benefits include censorship resistance, robustness to single points of failure, and permissionless participation.
Related terms
Node
→Software that participates in a peer-to-peer network by validating, serving, relaying, or requesting blockchain data.
network · blockchain
Wallet
→Software or hardware that manages signing credentials, addresses, transactions, and access to blockchain assets.
wallet · security
Transaction
→A serialized state transition that a blockchain can validate, relay, and include in a block.
blockchain · technical
Decentralization
→Decentralization distributes control across many participants, reducing single points of failure, censorship, or unilateral rule changes.
concept · blockchain