Bitcoin Universe

Model 11 · Network

The Global Bitcoin Network

Thousands of independent computers, no centre.

Beginner≈ 8 min

Explanation level

How to use this model

How to use this modelWhat you see, what you can touch, what changes, what to take away

What am I looking at?

A dark technical network map of interconnected nodes; orange signals carry transactions and blocks from peer to peer.

What can I touch?

  • Select nodes
  • Broadcast a transaction
  • Observe relay
  • Broadcast a block

What happens when I change something?

Switch nodes off or slow the links and the same transaction takes longer to spread or stops reaching part of the network; with a single hub, losing the hub cuts everyone off.

What should I understand afterwards?

Explain why no single computer controls Bitcoin.

Understand how computers cooperate without a central server.

News passed from neighbour to neighbour.

After this you can

  • Explain why no single computer controls Bitcoin.

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Tutor Ask a question, or let the tutor show you around

The tutor answers by explaining and, within the permissions below, by operating this model. Every change it makes is shown and listed, and you can undo it. It cannot run code, read your browser data or see anything secret. The page works the same without it.

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    Common mix-ups

    Myth: Bitcoin runs on a central server.
    In fact: Independent nodes relay and validate for themselves.
    Myth: Every node sees a transaction instantly.
    In fact: Propagation takes time and depends on paths and latency.

    Concepts in this model

    Helpful to know first

    Next recommended

    Model 02 · NetworkThe Mining MachineSee the guessing game that secures every block.

    Part of these learning paths