A Layer 1 blockchain is the base protocol of a blockchain network. It handles the core work that keeps the system running, like processing transactions, keeping a shared ledger, and deciding how the network reaches agreement. These blockchains provide the platform on which other services and layers are built.
A typical Layer 1 system includes a consensus mechanism, network nodes, transaction formats, and the block data structure. The consensus mechanism, such as proof of work or proof of stake, determines how nodes agree on the next block. Nodes store and share the ledger, while the data structure and networking rules decide how information moves and how quickly it is confirmed. Together, these parts shape the chain’s security, speed, and decentralization.
Common examples are Bitcoin and Ethereum, both of which run their own main chains and enforce their own rules on every participant. Other Layer 1 projects include chains focused on higher throughput or different trade-offs between speed and decentralization. These main chains are sometimes called mainnets.
Many Layer 1 chains face limits on how many transactions they can process per second. That can make them slower and more costly than some centralized systems. For example, one comparison often quoted is that Ethereum processes roughly 15 transactions per second, while big payment networks can handle thousands per second. Designers of Layer 1 systems also wrestle with balancing security, decentralization, and scalability, a trade-off often described as the blockchain trilemma.
Teams working on Layer 1 improvements try several paths. Some change the consensus method to one that uses less energy or lets nodes process transactions faster. Others split the network into smaller parts, a technique called sharding, so different groups handle different sets of transactions at the same time. Another route is to pair Layer 1 with Layer 2 solutions, where many transactions are handled off the main chain and only settled on Layer 1 when needed. These options aim to keep security while making the network quicker and cheaper to use.
Layer 1 blockchains serve as the foundation for moving value, running smart contracts, and hosting decentralized apps. They are used by developers to launch tokens, by users to send payments, and by businesses that need a shared, tamper-evident record. The mainchain’s guarantees about who can change data and how records are agreed upon make these use cases possible.
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