{"id":2504,"date":"2023-03-27T14:49:33","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T14:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/?p=2504"},"modified":"2026-04-09T10:25:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T10:25:34","slug":"blockchain-layers-explained-l1-l2-l3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/blockchain-layers-explained-l1-l2-l3","title":{"rendered":"Blockchain Layers Explained (L1, L2, L3)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Blockchain technology is well-known for its security and decentralized nature. But despite its popularity, many people still don\u2019t have a good understanding of how it actually functions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Blockchain is, in essence, a distributed ledger that keeps track records transactions. It uses a layered architecture that breaks the complex system into more manageable parts, each responsible for specific functions and interactions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">These blockchain parts are commonly referred to as <strong>Layer 0<\/strong>, <strong>Layer 1<\/strong>, <strong>Layer 2<\/strong>, and <strong>Layer 3<\/strong>. Understanding the different layers of a blockchain is essential for anyone looking to work with cryptocurrencies.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">So, that\u2019s what we\u2019re going to cover in this article. Let\u2019s begin with the basics. \ud83d\udc47<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>What is Blockchain?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Blockchain is a distributed ledger &#8211; a digital database shared by a network of connected computers, called nodes. Blockchain\u2019s main goal is to record all transactions on the network &#8211; securely and accurately.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">What makes blockchain different from other digital databases, is that it can guarantee the security and correctness of all the data recorded on it. This removes the need for having a single trusted party to control and verify transactions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Bitcoin was the first blockchain platform that was put in practice, making it the most popular blockchain as of yet. Since its creation, other blockchains have appeared, such as Ethereum, Tron or Ripple.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Blockchains have many practical uses, which include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Cryptocurrencies<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">DeFi applications<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Smart contracts<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>What are Blockchain Layers?&nbsp;<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><strong>Blockchain layers<\/strong> refer to the different components of a blockchain system that work together to ensure the security and scalability of the technology. Blockchains are decentralized and lack a central authority, so they use a distributed ledger system to authenticate transactions through a consensus reached by numerous nodes in the network. The layered architecture of blockchains clusters different functions together to provide security and scalability.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">As the number of users on the blockchain grows, the layers ensure that the system can handle the increased demand while maintaining top-notch security. By understanding the different layers of a blockchain, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the technology and its potential applications.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>The Layered Architecture of Blockchain<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Blockchain&#8217;s layered structure consists of a dispersed network where each participant maintains, approves, and updates new entries in a specific sequence.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">The blockchain architecture layers are made up of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/terms\/b\/block-bitcoin-block.asp\" rel=\"nofollow  noopener\" target=\"_blank\">blocks<\/a> that contain a list of transactions. These layers can be categorized as public, private, or consortium-based:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">In a public blockchain, anyone can participate in the network.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">In a private blockchain, only a specific group of participants have access.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">A consortium-based blockchain is a hybrid between public and private, where a select group of participants has permission to join the network.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">The layered structure of blockchain allows for secure and decentralized transactions while accommodating different levels of access and control.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layers of blockchain architecture consist of the <strong>following five levels:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 17pt;\"><b>1. Hardware Infrastructure Layer<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">At the hardware infrastructure layer, blockchain handles data storage on individual nodes or a server at a data center. Unlike a client-server architecture, a blockchain is a peer-to-peer network where clients communicate directly, and all data is stored in a distributed database.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 17pt;\"><b>2. Data Layer<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The data layer is the heart of the blockchain, consisting of an <\/span><b>ordered linked list<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of blocks that store transactions. Blockchain records and signs transactions digitally to ensure data security and integrity. The digital signature also verifies the sender&#8217;s identity and prevents tampering with the data.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 17pt;\"><b>3. Network Layer<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">The network layer is responsible for inter-node communication and ensures that nodes can connect, communicate, share, and synchronize to maintain the blockchain&#8217;s integrity. It manages block propagation, transactions, and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 17pt;\"><b>4. Consensus Layer<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">The consensus layer is the most critical layer of a blockchain, ensuring that transactions are validated, ordered, and agreed upon by all nodes in the network. It establishes a clear set of agreements between nodes that follow the rules to validate transactions and create blocks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 17pt;\"><b>5. Application Layer<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">The application layer consists of decentralized applications, smart contracts, and chain code that interact with the blockchain network through APIs. The execution layer comprises chain code, smart contracts, and the underlying logic that execute commands and maintain the blockchain&#8217;s determinism.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Blockchain Layers in Crypto Terms<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">The categories used above are used to describe the underlying architecture of blockchain networks in general.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">However, people in the industry use a different set of terms to describe how blockchain protocols function. These are more often used and may be familiar even to people outside of the blockchain realm.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Importantly, these terms are used to describe two different things:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layers of blockchain architecture, like the ones we described above<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Different blockchains belonging to some logical group<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">This discrepancy can cause confusion, especially among newbie crypto enthusiasts. So let\u2019s look at each of the blockchain layers, from 0 to 3, and understand what they actually mean. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\ud83d\udc47<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 0<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layer 0 refers to the underlying technology that enables the blockchain network to operate, such as the internet, hardware, and connections. It is the backbone of blockchain and is essential to its creation and core function.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e54ffc9c5dc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e54ffc9c5dc\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1377\" height=\"548\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c.png\" alt=\"Layer 0 Blockchain examples: Polkadot, Cosmos, Cardano Blockchain layers explained. What is Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3\" class=\"wp-image-2509\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c.png 1377w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c-300x119.png 300w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c-768x306.png 768w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c-1080x430.png 1080w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c-1280x509.png 1280w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c-980x390.png 980w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l0c-480x191.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1377px) 100vw, 1377px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">When used to describe blockchains, Layer 0 generally refers to \u201cnetworks of blockchains\u201d. This includes protocols facilitating cross-chain operability, such as Polkadot or Avalanche.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 0 blockchain examples<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Examples of Layer 0 blockchains include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-dot\">Polkadot<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-avax\">Avalanche<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-ada\"><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\">Cardano<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-atom\"><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\">Cosmos<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 1<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layer 1 is the fundamental layer of the blockchain network responsible for the consensus process, programming languages, block duration, dispute resolution, and guidelines that ensure the network&#8217;s basic functionality. Layer 1 is crucial to the security of the blockchain network, and its immutability ensures that the network is tamper-proof.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e54ffc9cc8f&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e54ffc9cc8f\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1377\" height=\"548\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c.png\" alt=\"Layer 1 Blockchain examples: Bitcoin, Ethereum, BSC Blockchain layers explained. What is Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3\" class=\"wp-image-2506\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c.png 1377w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c-300x119.png 300w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c-768x306.png 768w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c-1080x430.png 1080w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c-1280x509.png 1280w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c-980x390.png 980w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l1c-480x191.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1377px) 100vw, 1377px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Bitcoin and Ethereum are known as Layer 1 blockchains &#8211; these are independent decentralized networks that operate &amp; execute transactions without any assistance from the outside. Layer 1 blockchains serve as a base layer for Layer 2 and Layer 3 solutions to be built on top of.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 1 blockchain examples<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Many popular blockchains are considered Layer 1, for example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-btc\">Bitcoin<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-eth\">Ethereum<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-bnb\"><span style=\"font-size: 13pt; color: #000000;\">Binance Smart Chain<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-sol\">Solana<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 2<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layer 2 is an overlapping network positioned above the base layer. It includes third-party integrations that work with layer 1 to increase the number of nodes and the system throughput.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e54ffc9d2cc&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e54ffc9d2cc\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1377\" height=\"548\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c.png\" alt=\"Layer 1 Blockchain examples: Optimism, Arbitrum, Polygon. Blockchain layers explained. What is Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3\" class=\"wp-image-2507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c.png 1377w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c-300x119.png 300w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c-768x306.png 768w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c-1080x430.png 1080w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c-1280x509.png 1280w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c-980x390.png 980w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l2c-480x191.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1377px) 100vw, 1377px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">L2 solutions include state channels, sidechains, and rollups.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>State channels<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> enable two-way communication between a blockchain and off-chain transactional channels, increasing overall transaction volume and speed.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>Sidechains<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are separate transactional chains that work with the blockchain and are used for many transactions.&nbsp;<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>Rollups<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are scaling options that enable transactions outside the layer 1 network, with resulting data uploaded to the layer 2 blockchain.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 1 blockchain examples<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layer 2 blockchains help to overcome limitations of the underlying blockchains. Examples of these include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Optimism (Ethereum-based)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Arbitrum (Ethereum-based)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/buy-matic\">Polygon (Ethereum-based)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Lightning Network (Bitcoin-based)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 3<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Layer 3, commonly referred to as L3, is the application layer. It serves as the user interface, hiding the technical details of the communication channel. L3 apps give blockchain practical utility, enabling users to interact with the blockchain network through application programming interfaces, frameworks, scripts, and user interfaces.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;69e54ffc9d904&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"69e54ffc9d904\" class=\"wp-block-image wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1377\" height=\"548\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c.png\" alt=\"Layer 1 Blockchain examples: Quant, ILP, Icon. Blockchain layers explained. What is Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2, Layer 3\" class=\"wp-image-2508\" srcset=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c.png 1377w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c-300x119.png 300w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c-768x306.png 768w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c-1080x430.png 1080w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c-1280x509.png 1280w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c-980x390.png 980w, https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/l3c-480x191.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1377px) 100vw, 1377px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\">Layer 3 protocols are unique solutions built on top of layer 2 networks, helping address interoperability issues present in most blockchains.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>Layer 3 blockchain examples<\/b><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Some notable examples of L3 blockchains include<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Interledger Protocol (used by Ripple)<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">ICON<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Quant<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">IBC Protocol (used by Cosmos)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>The Takeaway<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">To sum everything up, the blockchain infrastructure consists of 5 layers:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>The hardware infrastructure layer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is the foundation of blockchain technology, comprising the physical devices that power the network.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>The data layer <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is responsible for storing and retrieving information.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>The network layer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> facilitates communication between nodes on the blockchain.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>The consensus layer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> ensures that all nodes on the network agree on the current state of the blockchain.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>The application layer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> provides an interface for users to interact with the blockchain.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">In addition, another classification is used by the crypto community to describe the same architectural layers, and it goes as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>Layer 0 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; includes hardware and data layer<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>Layer 1<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; contains network consensus layer<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>Layer 2<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Represents networks built on top of existing blockchains helping to solve their underlying issues<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><b>Layer 3<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Is the application layer, hosting applications for users to interact with.<\/span><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">And finally, Layer 0 &#8211; 3 refer to blockchains based on their characteristics. For example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><strong>L0:<\/strong> Polkadot, Avalanche, Cardano\u00a0 &#8211; cross-chain operability protocols<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><strong>L1:<\/strong> Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana &#8211; base layer blockchain networks<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><strong>L2:<\/strong> Optimism, Polygon, Arbitrub &#8211; scaling solutions built on top of underlying networks<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\"><strong>L3:<\/strong> Icon, Quant, IBC Protocol &#8211; Application layer solutions built on top of Layer 2 networks &amp; offering specific solutions to some problems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">We hope that this article has helped clarify some inconsistency &amp; peculiarities of blockchain-related naming conventions. We also believe it is important to be familiar with the technology even if you don\u2019t use it directly, as a blockchain developer would. It is also crucial to be familiar with the underlying tech of projects you may want to invest in.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">PS.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">If you are thinking about investing into cryptocurrencies, we recommend you check out<\/span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guardarian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. With us you can buy <\/span><b>over 1000<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> different cryptocurrencies super fast and super cheap right here!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"display: block; margin: 0; padding: 0;\" title=\"Guardarian Widget\" src=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/calculator\/v1?partner_api_token=5d39f458-3cde-4891-b0b0-267d00f88da8&amp;theme=green&amp;type=wide&amp;swap_enabled=true\" width=\"100%\" height=\"350\" frameborder=\"0\"><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><span data-mce-type=\"bookmark\" style=\"display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;\" class=\"mce_SELRES_start\">\ufeff<\/span><br \/><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Or follow these simple steps to get your crypto:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Go to <a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\">www.guardarian.com<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Choose what you want to buy &amp; how you want to pay.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Specify your wallet address.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Complete a fast &amp; intuitive checkout process.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Check your wallet &amp; we hope to see you soon!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000; font-size: 13pt;\">Simply choose what you want to buy &amp; how you want to pay and your funds will reach your wallet in no time!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 13pt;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><b>No registration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><b>no hidden fees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>no long waits<\/b><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"> &#8211; only on<\/span> <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/guardarian.com\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guardarian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400; color: #000000;\">!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Blockchain technology is well-known for its security and decentralized nature. But despite its popularity, many people still don\u2019t have a good understanding of how it actually functions. Blockchain is, in essence, a distributed ledger that keeps track records transactions. It uses a layered architecture that breaks the complex system into more manageable parts, each responsible [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[109],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academy-and-crypto-guides"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-scaled.jpg",2560,511,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-300x60.jpg",300,60,true],"medium":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-scaled.jpg",2560,511,false],"medium_large":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-768x153.jpg",768,153,true],"large":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-1920x383.jpg",1920,383,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-1536x307.jpg",1536,307,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-2048x409.jpg",2048,409,true],"rpwe-thumbnail":["https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Blockchain-Layers-Explained-45x45.jpg",45,45,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"guardarian_admin","author_link":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/author\/guardarian_admin"},"uagb_comment_info":5,"uagb_excerpt":"Blockchain technology is well-known for its security and decentralized nature. But despite its popularity, many people still don\u2019t have a good understanding of how it actually functions. Blockchain is, in essence, a distributed ledger that keeps track records transactions. It uses a layered architecture that breaks the complex system into more manageable parts, each responsible&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2504"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8470,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2504\/revisions\/8470"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guardarian.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}