Layer 1(L1)
The base blockchain that provides security and consensus, such as Ethereum, Bitcoin, or Solana.
In-Depth Explanation
L1s are the foundation layer that validates transactions and maintains the canonical ledger. They provide the security guarantees that L2s inherit. Different L1s make different tradeoffs between decentralization, security, and scalability. L1 revenue comes from transaction fees and (for PoS chains) inflation paid to validators.
Related Terms
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Blockchain
A distributed, immutable ledger that records transactions across a network of computers using cryptographic linking.
Consensus Mechanism
The method by which a blockchain network agrees on the current state of the ledger and validates new transactions.
More in Infrastructure
View all →Gas Fees
Transaction fees paid to validators/miners for executing operations on a blockchain.
Gwei
A denomination of Ether equal to one billionth of an ETH, commonly used to express gas prices.
Layer 2
L2Scaling solutions built on top of a base blockchain (L1) that process transactions off-chain while inheriting L1 security.
Sequencer
The entity that orders and batches transactions on an L2 rollup before submitting them to L1.