# What is horizontal scaling

### What is Horizontal Scaling

In Web3, horizontal scalability refers to scaling blockchains for desired performance. More specifically, scaling the ability of a blockchain to process transactions and achieve consensus across an increasing number of users at *desired* latencies and throughput. IPC-BTC is one such scaling solution, alongside other popular layer two solutions, like [sidechains](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/scaling/sidechains/) and [rollups](https://ethereum.org/en/developers/docs/scaling/#rollups).

Horizontal scaling expands a network’s capacity by increasing the number of nodes participating in the network rather than upgrading the capacity of the existing ones.  The horizontal scaling approach distributes workloads more evenly and preserves decentralization through increasing node/network participation, which directly reflects on the strength of the network's  security and aligns with Web3 principles of openness and inclusivity.

<figure><img src="/files/q9TRTQNll9Q5r2QOX7yL" alt=""><figcaption><p>Simplified graphical representation for horizontal scaling</p></figcaption></figure>

In contrast, vertical scaling improves performance by upgrading node hardware but risks centralization by raising entry barriers and concentrating control among fewer, wealthier participants. While horizontal scaling is more complex to implement, it ensures higher throughput and resilience without compromising decentralization, making it the preferred strategy for scaling blockchain infrastructure sustainably.

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