Core Protocolgossip
Gossip Protocol
A protocol used by validators to exchange metadata and discover peers without relying on a central server. Gossip propagates contact info, vote status, shred versions, epoch slots, and other protocol messages via CRDS. It does not carry transaction or block data—those use TPU and Turbine respectively.
Related terms
3Core Protocol
Cluster
A set of validators working together to maintain a single Solana ledger. Solana operates three main clusters: mainnet-be...
Core Protocol
Validator
A node that participates in the Solana network by validating transactions, voting on blocks, and (when selected as leade...
Core Protocol
CRDS (Cluster Replicated Data Store)
Cluster Replicated Data Store—the data structure underlying Solana's gossip protocol. CRDS uses a push/pull model where...