Sub Second Finality | Crypto Community Sparks Discussion
Edited By
Linda Wang
A recent article discussing agentic AI and Hedera's finality capabilities has caught the attention of the crypto community. The piece, published on July 8, 2025, raised questions about transaction speed and the technology's potential impact amid varying user opinions.
The Current State of Finality
Commenters shared insights highlighting that Hedera's mainnet has maintained a finality rate between 2.5 to 3 seconds for some time. One commentator noted:
"2.5-3 seconds has been average for a while now."
This consistency might raise eyebrows for those expecting revolutionary changes in transaction times.
Smaller Networks, Quicker Transactions
Another user introduced an intriguing idea from a past discussion where a smaller node network, such as in East Coast America, could handle 100,000 to 150,000 transactions per second (TPS) with improved speed. This could lead to more efficient processing in regions with higher demand.
Interestingly, the notion of having localized shards for specific heavy use-cases, like payments in the UK, opened up possibilities for faster transactions.
Mixed Sentiments on Finality Speed
Despite the optimism, doubts linger. A user questioned:
"Is there much difference between 1 second and 4 seconds?"
While some users celebrate potential advancements, others remain skeptical of real-world applications.
Key Observations
2.5-3 seconds remains the norm: Many agree on current finality speeds.
Localized networks could revolutionize TPS: Smaller setups may bring vastly quicker processing.
Skepticism persists: Questions about the importance of transaction timing abound.
Key Takeaways
△ Average Finality Time: 2.5-3 seconds noted.
▽ Smaller Networks: Could dramatically improve TPS and reduce finality time.
※ “Chainspect claims Hedera takes up to 7 seconds to finalize.”
The conversation about finality remains heated, filled with strong opinions on both sides of the spectrum. As the technology evolves, will it deliver on its promises, or will debates continue to heat up around transaction speeds?
What Lies Ahead in Transaction Speeds
There’s a strong chance that as technology improves, localized networks will gain traction, pushing transaction speeds well beyond current standards. Experts estimate around a 30% boost in efficiency for smaller networks operating in high-demand areas, like payments in the UK. This shift may lower average finality to around 1.5-2 seconds within a year. Increased demand for faster transactions, alongside advancements in processing technology, will likely drive further innovation and adoption of these systems, fostering a more competitive environment.
A Fresh Lens on Historic Disruption
Reflecting on the introduction of online banking in the late 1990s offers an intriguing parallel. At that time, traditional banking systems experienced skepticism about the speed and security of transactions. While many were hesitant, a small group of early adopters quickly recognized the potential and pushed the industry to adapt, leading to the widespread acceptance we see today. Just as online banking transformed financial transactions, localized networks in crypto might redefine transaction speeds and usability.