Definition ∞ Layer one scaling refers to enhancements made directly to the foundational blockchain protocol to increase its transaction processing capacity. These improvements often involve modifications to the consensus mechanism, block size, or block interval. The objective is to allow the main blockchain network to handle a greater volume of transactions more efficiently. This contrasts with solutions that operate on separate layers above the main chain.
Context ∞ Layer one scaling remains a paramount challenge and area of active development within the blockchain industry. Protocols are continually introducing upgrades, such as sharding or novel consensus algorithms, to boost throughput and reduce latency. The debate continues regarding the optimal approach to scaling at the base layer, balancing decentralization, security, and performance considerations to accommodate broader adoption.