> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.trac.network/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.trac.network/documentation/trac-network/decentralization.md).

# Decentralization

**Decentralization is at the heart of Trac Network**

* Transaction settlement and smart contract execution are separated:
  * Transactions are performed by the Main Settlement Bus (MSB).
  * MSB validators accept transaction requests and sign those.
  * Smart Contract operations are performed by individual nodes in the network (the apps).
  * Consensus is separated between MSB and apps.
  * Apps represent their own network and use their own consensus to settle smart contract operations.