This study investigates the role of synaptic inhibition in generating gamma oscillations (20–80 Hz) in a network of hippocampal interneurons. The researchers used computer simulations to explore how rhythmic activity can emerge in a network of interconnected GABAergic fast-spiking interneurons. They identified specific conditions for population synchronization, including the amplitude of spike afterhyperpolarization being above the GABA_A synaptic reversal potential, a sufficiently large ratio between synaptic decay time constant and oscillation period, and modest heterogeneity due to the steep frequency-current relationship of fast-spiking neurons. The study demonstrates that large-scale network synchronization occurs primarily within the gamma frequency range. It is shown that GABA_A synaptic transmission provides a suitable mechanism for synchronized gamma oscillations in a sparsely connected network of fast-spiking interneurons. These interneurons can maintain subthreshold oscillations in principal cell populations and synchronize discharges of spatially distributed neurons. The study also examines the effects of network heterogeneity and synaptic time constants on network synchronization. It finds that the network coherence is highest within a limited range of mean oscillation frequencies, and that the optimal synchronization occurs in the gamma frequency range. The results suggest that the interneuronal network can generate a coherent oscillatory output to pyramidal neurons, providing a substrate for the synaptic organization of coherent gamma population oscillations. The findings highlight the importance of synaptic inhibition in generating gamma oscillations and the role of network connectivity and heterogeneity in determining the synchronization of neuronal activity.This study investigates the role of synaptic inhibition in generating gamma oscillations (20–80 Hz) in a network of hippocampal interneurons. The researchers used computer simulations to explore how rhythmic activity can emerge in a network of interconnected GABAergic fast-spiking interneurons. They identified specific conditions for population synchronization, including the amplitude of spike afterhyperpolarization being above the GABA_A synaptic reversal potential, a sufficiently large ratio between synaptic decay time constant and oscillation period, and modest heterogeneity due to the steep frequency-current relationship of fast-spiking neurons. The study demonstrates that large-scale network synchronization occurs primarily within the gamma frequency range. It is shown that GABA_A synaptic transmission provides a suitable mechanism for synchronized gamma oscillations in a sparsely connected network of fast-spiking interneurons. These interneurons can maintain subthreshold oscillations in principal cell populations and synchronize discharges of spatially distributed neurons. The study also examines the effects of network heterogeneity and synaptic time constants on network synchronization. It finds that the network coherence is highest within a limited range of mean oscillation frequencies, and that the optimal synchronization occurs in the gamma frequency range. The results suggest that the interneuronal network can generate a coherent oscillatory output to pyramidal neurons, providing a substrate for the synaptic organization of coherent gamma population oscillations. The findings highlight the importance of synaptic inhibition in generating gamma oscillations and the role of network connectivity and heterogeneity in determining the synchronization of neuronal activity.