A mining network consists of a group of computers, or nodes, that work together to validate and record transactions on a blockchain. Each node participates in the mining process, which involves solving complex mathematical problems to create new blocks of data.When a miner successfully solves a problem, they add the new block to the existing chain and receive a reward, typically in the form of the cryptocurrency being mined. This process not only generates new coins but also ensures the security and integrity of the blockchain by preventing unauthorized changes.The strength of a mining network is often measured by its hash rate, which indicates the total computational power being used. A higher hash rate means better security against attacks, as it becomes more difficult for malicious entities to outpace the combined power of genuine miners.Mining networks can be centralized, with a few entities controlling most of the power, or decentralized, where many individual miners contribute. The choice can significantly impact factors such as security, efficiency, and fairness in the distribution of rewards.