Layer 1
In short: Layer 1 is the base protocol layer of a blockchain: the main network that processes transactions and records them on its own ledger, using its own…
Layer 1 is the base protocol layer of a blockchain: the main network that processes transactions and records them on its own ledger, using its own consensus mechanism and native coin. Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana are well-known Layer 1 blockchains.
Why it matters
A Layer 1 sets the ground rules for everything built on it, including how blocks are produced, how the network stays secure, how fast transactions settle, and roughly what they cost. Because every full node must process the base layer, designers face a trade-off between decentralization, security, and throughput, and changing these rules usually requires a network upgrade or a fork. Layer 2 networks add capacity on top of a Layer 1 while relying on it for final settlement. When you pick a network for a deposit or withdrawal, you are often picking a Layer 1, and its fees and confirmation times apply.
Example
When you send bitcoin from one wallet to another, the transaction is broadcast to the Bitcoin network, included in a block by a miner, and recorded directly on the Bitcoin blockchain. No other network is involved, so this is a Layer 1 transaction. The fee you pay and how long you wait depend on demand for space in Bitcoin’s blocks.