Layer One Blockchain

Definition ∞ A Layer One Blockchain is the foundational blockchain network upon which other decentralized applications and protocols are built. These networks, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, provide the core infrastructure for transaction processing, security, and decentralization. They are responsible for establishing the network’s consensus mechanism and ledger integrity.
Context ∞ Layer One Blockchains are at the forefront of discussions regarding scalability, transaction fees, and network performance. Current debates focus on the limitations of existing Layer One designs and the ongoing efforts to improve their capacity through upgrades like sharding or transitioning to more efficient consensus mechanisms. The success of Layer Two solutions also depends heavily on the underlying Layer One’s capabilities.