Layer 1

ℹ️(2025-12-12T12:53.765Z)
Perplexity Query
(2025-12-12T12:53
.765Z)
Question:
Write a comprehensive one-page article about "Layer 1 (Blockchain)".
Model: sonar-pro

Introduction

Layer 1 blockchain refers to the base blockchain network that directly records, validates, and finalizes transactions without relying on any underlying chain. [ltiqc3] [hv3fu0] It matters because it provides the core security, decentralization, and consensus that all higher-layer solutions and applications ultimately depend on. [hv3fu0] [cxd6zm]

Main Content

Layer 1 is often called the base layer or main chain: it is the primary protocol that defines how data is stored, how transactions are processed, and how the network reaches agreement (consensus) on a single, shared ledger. [bkwwb2] [m4wp6h] Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano are all examples of Layer 1 blockchains that maintain their own distributed networks of nodes, validate transactions, and secure the ledger via consensus mechanisms like proof of work or proof of stake. [bkwwb2] [m4wp6h] [t4e72f] These networks typically have a native coin (such as BTC or ETH) used to pay transaction fees, incentivize validators or miners, and participate in on-chain governance. [^ave7c4] [hv3fu0]
Practically, Layer 1 blockchains support a wide range of use cases. Bitcoin’s Layer 1 is optimized for secure, censorship-resistant value transfer and store of value. [bkwwb2] Ethereum’s Layer 1 introduced general-purpose smart contracts, enabling decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and decentralized applications (dApps) such as lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, and blockchain games to run directly on the base chain. [hv3fu0] [bkwwb2] Other Layer 1s like Solana and Avalanche focus on high throughput and low latency, catering to applications that need fast, inexpensive transactions, such as on-chain trading, payments, and real-time gaming. [bkwwb2] [t4e72f]
The benefits of Layer 1 include strong security, high decentralization, and trustless operation: anyone can verify the ledger, and no single party controls the system. [hv3fu0] [ltiqc3] This architecture reduces single points of failure and makes it extremely difficult for attackers to compromise the network, since they would need to control a majority of participating nodes or stake to alter history. [hv3fu0] [ltiqc3] As a result, Layer 1 blockchains serve as the ultimate source of truth and settlement layer for assets and contracts, with other layers and applications inheriting their security guarantees. [cxd6zm]
However, there are important challenges. A key issue is the blockchain trilemma: balancing decentralization, security, and scalability. [ltiqc3] Many Layer 1 chains struggle to process large volumes of transactions quickly and cheaply; as usage grows, networks like Ethereum have experienced congestion and high fees. [ltiqc3] To address this, some Layer 1s pursue on-chain scaling techniques such as sharding, which splits the network into subsets (shards) that process transactions in parallel, increasing total throughput. [ltiqc3] Others focus on minimal, secure base layers and rely on Layer 2 solutions—such as rollups and sidechains—to handle high-volume activity while settling back to the Layer 1 for final security. [hv3fu0] [x6h4oj]
Today, Layer 1 ecosystems are among the most valuable and widely adopted platforms in crypto, forming the foundation for DeFi, NFTs, on-chain governance, and Web3 identity systems. [hv3fu0] [bkwwb2] [t4e72f] Bitcoin remains the dominant store-of-value network, while Ethereum is the leading smart contract Layer 1, hosting thousands of dApps and a rich Layer 2 ecosystem built on top of it. [hv3fu0] [bkwwb2] Competing Layer 1s—including Solana, Cardano, Avalanche, and newer modular chains such as MANTRA—aim to improve performance, user experience, or specialized functionality while still providing robust security and programmability. [^ave7c4] [bkwwb2] [t4e72f]
Recent developments focus on scalability and interoperability. Many Layer 1s are upgrading their core protocols (for example, adopting proof of stake or introducing sharding) to increase throughput and reduce energy usage. [ltiqc3] [t4e72f] At the same time, interoperability frameworks (often called Layer 0) and cross-chain bridges are emerging to connect multiple Layer 1s, enabling assets and data to move more easily across networks and supporting multi-chain applications. [bkwwb2] [m4wp6h] This is creating a more interconnected “internet of blockchains” built around a small number of highly secure Layer 1 settlement layers. [bkwwb2] [m4wp6h]
[IMAGE 3: Layer 1 (Blockchain) future trends or technology visualization]

Future Outlook

Layer 1 blockchains are likely to evolve into highly optimized, secure settlement and data availability layers, with most user activity occurring on scalable Layer 2s and interconnected chains that still rely on Layer 1 for finality and security. [hv3fu0] [ltiqc3] [x6h4oj] As performance improves and interoperability matures, Layer 1 technology could underpin mainstream financial markets, global payment rails, digital identity, and ownership systems, reshaping how value and information move across the internet. [hv3fu0] [bkwwb2] [t4e72f]

Conclusion

Layer 1 blockchains provide the foundational security, consensus, and data integrity on which the entire blockchain stack is built. [hv3fu0] [ltiqc3] As they continue to scale and interconnect, these base layers are poised to become critical infrastructure for a more open, programmable, and decentralized digital economy.

Citations

[46fzl3] 2025, Sep 17. List of 39 Layer 1 Blockchains (L1s) (2025). Published: 2025-01-01 | Updated: 2025-09-17

[u4vyfy] 2025, Sep 14. In-depth Analysis of Five Major AI Layer1 Projects. Published: 2025-03-17 | Updated: 2025-09-14

[npq6lz] 2025, Sep 16. Top 10 AI Crypto Coins (2025): Projects Leading the AI Future. Published: 2025-03-06 | Updated: 2025-09-16

[lk3c9i]: 2025, Jul 17. Top 10: Layer 1 Blockchain Networks. Published: 2025-06-18 | Updated: 2025-07-17
[va2908]: 2025, Sep 13. Why We Are Building ASI Chain: The First Layer 1 .... Published: 2025-07-29 | Updated: 2025-09-13
[0n5gxe]: 2025, May 22. Top 10 Layer 1 Blockchains in 2025. Published: 2025-05-22[1]: 2025, Dec 12. Layer 1 Blockchains Explained - MANTRA Chain. Published: 2024-12-23 | Updated: 2025-12-12

[hv3fu0] 2025, Dec 12. Understanding Layer 1 Blockchains - Casper Network. Published: 2000-01-01 | Updated: 2025-12-12

[bkwwb2] 2025, Dec 11. Blockchain Layers Explained for Beginners: L1, L2, L3 Solutions. Published: 2025-05-15 | Updated: 2025-12-11

[ltiqc3] 2025, Dec 12. What is a Layer-1 blockchain? L1 blockchains explained - MoonPay. Published: 2024-09-21 | Updated: 2025-12-12

[m4wp6h] 2025, Dec 12. Understanding Crypto Layers: A Deep Dive into Blockchain's .... Published: 2025-09-08 | Updated: 2025-12-12

[x6h4oj] 2025, Dec 12. Layer-1 Blockchain Definition - CoinMarketCap. Published: 2023-05-04 | Updated: 2025-12-12

[cxd6zm] 2025, Jun 16. Layer 1 v. Layer 2 - Hedera. Published: 2022-06-08 | Updated: 2025-06-16

[t4e72f] 2025, Dec 11. Layer 1 Blockchains Explained: Scalability & Security | Galaxy Asset .... Published: 2025-10-06 | Updated: 2025-12-11