When we discuss the layers of Blockchain, it is necessary to consider that there are two main ways to acknowledge Blockchain technologies. Have you ever thought about how Blockchain architecture works? The first way is entirely related to this term. There are five layers of Blockchain technologies: the network layer, the data layer, the hardware layer, the application layer, and the consensus layer.
“Blockchain] is the biggest opportunity set we can think of over the next decade or so“
The second way of understanding Blockchain is the division of these layers based on their protocols. The four layers collectively work and make the Blockchain layer 0, layer 1, layer 2, and layer 3.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a digital ledger technology that allows users to decentralized, secure, and transparent transactions. This is a database that stores information across the network of computers, and every participant in the network has a copy of it. All the transactions on this database are verified and recorded using cryptography, making it scam-free.
This technology is used in all other activities such as insurance, healthcare, and IoT. Its purpose is just to provide a decentralized environment. It may also be developed to assure data and to lessen operational costs.
What Are The Main Components Of Blockchain?
Blockchain technology got popular in recent years, and it is being used in different aspects of our daily lives. It is considered a new trend in the global technology and investment market. This technology can improve efficiency in many organizations and businesses, not just in terms of information. Here, we will discuss its different components.
Distributed Ledger Technology
An electronic ledger is a digital database that keeps a record of all the transactions and is regularly updated. It is made up of several blocks, with each block containing at least one transaction. And all these blocks are linked into a chain with the help of cryptography.
Consensus Mechanism
The consensus mechanism in Blockchain refers to a set of rules that allows the nodes in a peer-to-peer network to reach an agreement on the validity and sequence of transactions. It ensures that all participants in the network have a consistent view of the Blockchain.
It plays an important role in maintaining the security, integrity, and decentralization of the Blockchain network. It prevents malicious actors from manipulating the Blockchain by ensuring that the majority of nodes agree on the order and validity of a transaction.
Peer-to-Peer Network
A peer-to-peer network (P2P) is an independent communication model where multiple participants, known as peer nodes, can communicate with each other directly without the need for central servers or any specific node. In this network, each participant can function both as a server and a client.
Cryptography
It is a vital component of Blockchain technology that is responsible for integrity and security stored in a ledger and transmitted between nodes in a Blockchain network. Cryptography uses various techniques, including asymmetric and symmetric encryption, hash functions, and more.
There are two main encryption methods in the cryptography component; Symmetric and asymmetric methods.
Virtual Machine
In the context of Blockchain technology, a virtual machine (VM) is a crucial component that plays a significant role in the execution of smart contracts and an independent decentralized application. A virtual machine in Blockchain serves as a runtime environment where smart contracts can be executed surely and deterministically.
What Are The Layers of Blockchain Technology?
These are the main layers of Blockchain technologies;
Layer 0
The hardware layer in Blockchain technology refers to the physical infrastructure that supports the operation of the main network of Blockchain. It encompasses the connections between networks, the data server that stores the Blockchain data, and the computer participating in networks. All the data stored in the Blockchain is hosted by these data servers which ensure the accessibility and availability to the network participants.
Layer 1
The consensus layer is responsible for the rules of the networks effectively enforced to maintain uniformity in the network. Because one node can’t add a simple transaction in the Blockchain technologies. All the nodes need to agree on it. This verification reduces the risks of fraud being added to the Blockchain.
Layer 2
This layer is used for communication between the different nodes within the Blockchain network. This is also in the layer in which blocks are added and created to the Blockchain. As a result, this layer is known as the propagation layer.
Layer 3
The application layer is used for several purposes. It is made up of decentralized applications and smart contracts. This layer acts as the front end within the Blockchain and is necessarily what a user will encounter when operating within the Blockchain network.
Layers of Blockchain-Based on Professionals
There are five main layers of Blockchain based on professionals. The hardware layer, the data layer, the consensus layer, the network layer, and the application layer. These layers are used to store data, secure it, and manage it. These are used for communication between networks and create the link between all the nodes. They provide availability, security, and protection to each transaction using keys.
What are Layer 2 Solutions?
Layer 2 solutions within the Blockchain technology are implemented to solve the scalability issues as the number of transactions increases. The purpose of this solution is to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the first layer of the Blockchain protocol without understanding its benefits. The core feature is the implementation of third-party solutions that operate alongside the main Blockchain. This solution allows cheaper and faster transactions by processing certain transactions and reduces the burden on the primary Blockchain layer.
What Are Ethereum Blockchain Layers?
An Ethereum Blockchain layer is perhaps layer 1. Because it is responsible for processing a decentralized and secure ledger. This layer encompasses various consensus mechanisms such as proof of stake and proof of work to ensure the security of the Ethereum network. It serves as the foundation for the Ethereum ecosystem, enabling the execution of smart contracts and the development of decentralized applications.
What Is The Difference Between Layer 1 And Layer 2 Blockchain?
Layer 1 protocols often employ different consensus mechanisms, such as proof of work (POW) or proof of stake (PoS), to validate transactions and secure the network. Layer 2 solutions are implemented to enhance the scalability of Layer 1 protocols. These solutions often involve off-chain or third-party mechanisms that work alongside the main Blockchain, enabling faster and cheaper transactions.
As a result, Layer 1 focuses on the core Blockchain network, processing transactions, and ensuring security, while Layer 2 addresses scalability challenges by implementing additional solutions that work in tandem with Layer 1, improving transaction speed and efficiency. Layer 1 is the foundation, and Layer 2 provides scalability enhancements to handle increased transaction volumes.
Conclusion
Scalability is a major challenge preventing the widespread adoption of cryptocurrencies in the Blockchain sector. The increasing demand for cryptocurrencies drives the need to build scalable Blockchain systems. However, each layer of the Blockchain has its limitations, and addressing the scalability trilemma requires the development of scalable solutions.
The first layer of the Blockchain serves as the foundation for all decentralized systems and is crucial for the ecosystem. Layer two protocols offer solutions to the scalability issues of the underlying Blockchain. Unfortunately, most layer three protocols, which include decentralized applications (DApps), currently operate only on layer one, ignoring layer two solutions. This limitation explains why these systems may not meet our performance expectations.
The development of practical Blockchain use cases heavily relies on layer three DApps. However, unlike traditional networks, these applications may not capture as much value as the underlying Blockchain.
Blockchain technology is still in its early stages and is highly complex. As a result, completing the development of Blockchain systems will take years. Over time, addressing scalability challenges and optimizing the different layers of the Blockchain will be critical for achieving widespread crypto adoption in the future.