What is blockchain Layer 1?

Blockchain Layer 1 refers to the distributed database itself, the underlying peer-to-peer network that combines all the blockchain's nodes into a single system, and its underlying consensus mechanisms. For example, Bitcoin's Layer 1 is the Bitcoin network, Ethereum's is the Ethereum network, and Ripple's is the XRP Ledger.

What are L1 and L2 blockchain solutions?

Because of L1 limitations, developers have sought to improve on the blockchain design by adding architecture under the L1 chain (layer 0) or on top of it (layers 2 and 3). Layer 2 solutions (L2) are platforms that generally improve on the functions (usually scalability) of layer 1 technology.

Are Layer 1 and Layer 2 chains secure?

While layer 1 chains are the primary security provider within the context of decentralization, layer 2 chains have their own security, but to a far lesser degree, explained software engineer Arie Trouw, who holds over a decade of experience in the blockchain space.

What are some examples of blockchain scalability solutions?

For example, Bitcoin's Lightning Network (which enables off-chain transactions) or Ethereum's Polygon or Arbitrum (both of which have blockchain-specific tokens and their own burgeoning blockchain ecosystems). How Do Layer 2 Blockchain Scaling Solutions Work? Blockchain Layer 2 solutions are where scalability becomes even more interesting.