Layer-1 blockchain

The printable version is no longer supported and may have rendering errors. Please update your browser bookmarks and please use the default browser print function instead.

Layer-1 blockchain refers to the base protocol of a blockchain network that operates independently and can process and finalize cryptocurrency transactions without relying on another blockchain.

Bitcoin was the first Layer-1 blockchain. Others, such as Ethereum, Solana, and Radix, emerged to support more complex decentralized interactions through smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps).^[1]^[2]

Layer-1 blockchains differ from Layer-2 solutions, which are secondary protocols built on top of Layer-1 networks to enhance scalability and transaction speeds.^[3]

References

^ Song, Han; Qu, Zhongche; Wei, Yihao (2024). "Advancing Blockchain Scalability: An Introduction to Layer 1 and Layer 2 Solutions". arXiv:2406.13855 [cs.CR].
^ Olson, Parmy (2019-01-09). "This Hermetic Engineer Is Plotting The Death Of Blockchain". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-08-21.
^ "Layer 1 vs. Layer 2: The Difference Between Blockchain Scaling Solutions". Investopedia. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

This cryptography-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

[1] Song, Han; Qu, Zhongche; Wei, Yihao (2024). "Advancing Blockchain Scalability: An Introduction to Layer 1 and Layer 2 Solutions". arXiv:2406.13855 [cs.CR].

[2] Olson, Parmy (2019-01-09). "This Hermetic Engineer Is Plotting The Death Of Blockchain". Forbes. Retrieved 2025-08-21.

[3] "Layer 1 vs. Layer 2: The Difference Between Blockchain Scaling Solutions". Investopedia. Retrieved 2025-02-10.

[1]

[2]

[3]