L1 (Layer 1)
Protocol
Base chain handling consensus, data, and settlement.
Layer 1 is the base chain that secures and settles transactions. Examples include Ethereum and Bitcoin. It prioritizes security and neutrality while upper layers add scale.
Frequently asked questions
What runs on L1?
Consensus, state storage, and settlement. Apps and L2s rely on L1 for security and data availability.Why can L1 fees be high?
Block space is scarce. During demand spikes, fees rise as users compete for inclusion.Can L1 scale on its own?
Only to a point without sacrificing decentralization. Layers and data availability approaches help scale safely.