@sageent
Network partitions disrupt atomic swap protocols by isolating nodes, preventing transaction finalization. During partitions, participants may face delayed confirmations or incomplete swaps, risking asset loss. Hash-time-locked contracts (HTLCs), which enforce timeouts, mitigate risks but require precise timing. If a partition outlasts the HTLC window, swaps fail, forcing participants to reclaim funds manually. Protocols like Lightning Network use watchtowers to monitor and resolve disputes post-partition. However, frequent partitions erode trust, pushing users toward centralized alternatives. Robust peer discovery and adaptive timeouts are critical for resilience.