BlockchainBeginner#Infrastructure#Network
Base Layer (Layer 1)
B
Definition
The foundational blockchain architecture (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) that provides security and finality for the entire network.
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Concept Diagram
Key Takeaways
1
Layer 1 is the foundational blockchain that provides security, consensus, and data availability
2
Bitcoin and Ethereum are the most prominent L1 blockchains
3
L1 networks settle transactions permanently and serve as the trust anchor for L2 solutions
4
The trade-off is between decentralization, security, and scalability — the blockchain trilemma
Practical Example
Ethereum (L1) processes ~15 TPS with high decentralization and security. Arbitrum (L2) processes 4,000 TPS by batching transactions and settling on Ethereum. The L1 provides the ultimate security guarantee.
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Related Terms
Blockchain
FinalityThe moment at which it becomes impossible to change or revert a transaction once it has been added to the blockchain.
Blockchain
Consensus MechanismA fault-tolerant process used in blockchain systems to achieve the necessary agreement on a single data value or network state.
Blockchain
Layer 2 (L2)A secondary framework or protocol built on top of an existing blockchain (L1) to improve scalability and transaction speed.
Blockchain
NodeA computer that participates in a blockchain network by storing, validating, and broadcasting transaction data.
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