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Blockchains have become incredibly popular technologies for investment and payments. This is due to their decentralized nature, secure networks and ease of payments. The most common form of blockchain is known as layer 1 blockchain. However, L1 blockchains suffer from scalability issues, which lead to network congestion and massive costs. One possible solution to this is a layer zero network.
Introduction to Layer 0
Regular layer 1 blockchains are self-sufficient systems, which can handle network security, validation and complete transactions without any outside assistance. But this also means there are several different tasks the same network must perform, slowing down the performance considerably.
Layer 0 instead consists of the underlying network on top of which a blockchain is built. This includes features like protocols, network structure, hardware and validator nodes. Layer 0 blockchains allow several layer 1 blockchains to be built on top of them, enabling them to use the same underlying systems and protocols.
How Does Layer 0 Blockchain Work?
A layer 0 protocol requires three basic components to function seamlessly.
Mainnet
The main chain or mainnet of layer 0 is what consolidates and stores data from the various layer 1 blockchains built on top of it. This helps maintain a network state and ensures data integrity is maintained across the protocol.
Sidechains
This component includes the many layer 1 blockchains built on top of layer 0. They can have their own nodes and consensus mechanism but still benefit from cross-chain compatibility and security provided by L0.
Cross-Chain Operations
A huge advantage of building on layer 0 is that your dApp will maintain compatibility with every other blockchain in the same network. This is done through the inter-blockchain transfer protocol, which ensures all assets and information can be shared between the mainnet and other sidechains.
Read more: What Are Blockchain Layers
Layer 0 Scalability
The problem of scalability stems from the “Blockchain Trilemma”, a term coined by Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin. This concept says that blockchains experience a tradeoff between decentralization, security and scalability. Usually, blockchains can only perform 2 of the 3 functions satisfactorily.
L0 protocols cannot process transactions by themselves. That is a role performed by the main chain and various sidechains built on the blockchain. Scalability on an L0 thus means adding more independent blockchains and applications to the network. Each one operates independently of the others, which ensures one blockchain is not slowed down by activity on another.
What are some Layer 0 Blockchain Projects?
The three most popular Layer 0s are Cosmos, Polkadot and Avalanche.
Cosmos
This project is trying to build an “Internet of Blockchains” as an alternative to older systems like Bitcoin and Ethereum. The network is split into the Cosmos Hub – its main chain – and thousands of independent sidechains that can launch their own applications.
Cosmos’ operations are enabled through the Tendermind consensus mechanism. It also uses a novel inter-blockchain communication protocol to enable data sharing between its sidechains. Finally, the Cosmos software development kit makes it easy for developers to launch their own sovereign blockchain to build an application.
Read more: What is Cosmos (ATOM)
Polkadot
Polkadot is a layer 0 protocol on which several specialised blockchains known as “parachains” are built. Under this system, Polkadot can provide scalability to all projects through a common validator pool. Thus, the cost of transactions is spread across multiple parachains.
You can build a unique blockchain on the protocol in minutes with the Substrate framework. The network is highly efficient, using the energy equivalent of just 7 households per year. Its operations and governance are also decentralised, where all of its tokens are given a voice.
Read more: What is Polkadot (DOT)
Avalanche
Avalanche is a decentralised smart contract platform for dApp creation. It allows you to easily build Ethereum-compatible dApps that can process thousands of transactions each second.
The main selling point of this platform is that it takes less than 2 seconds to finalize a transaction. This number can be as high as 60 minutes and 6 minutes with Bitcoin and Ethereum respectively. Users can also stake their AVAX tokens or run nodes with the hardware they already own.
What is The Future of Layer 0 Blockchain?
Layer 0 protocols are fantastic solutions to the blockchain trilemma that cater to user needs better than older blockchain projects. L0s also offer incredible flexibility to developers by allowing them to create independent blockchains for decentralized applications.
This solution may be able to allow for infinite scalability of a network to match demand whenever required. It also draws more users to blockchains by resolving long-standing issues of high costs and congestion.
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FAQs on Blockchain Layer 0
What are some Popular Layer 0 Blockchains?
Some of the most used Layer 0 protocols are Polkadot, Horizon, Cosmos and Avalanche.
What are the Layers in a Blockchain?
Layer 0 – Underlying network architecture
Layer 1 – Independent blockchain system
Layer 2 – Scaling Solution for L1s
Layer 3 – Cross-chain operation solutions
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I am an expert in blockchain technology and enthusiast with a deep understanding of various blockchain concepts and projects. My expertise is demonstrated by an in-depth knowledge of layer 0 blockchain and its underlying components. Now, let's delve into the concepts covered in the provided article:
Introduction to Layer 0
Regular layer 1 blockchains handle network security, validation, and transactions independently, leading to performance slowdowns. Layer 0, on the other hand, forms the underlying network for building blockchains, including protocols, network structure, hardware, and validator nodes.
How Does Layer 0 Blockchain Work?
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Mainnet:
- The main chain of layer 0 consolidates and stores data from layer 1 blockchains.
- Maintains network state and ensures data integrity.
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Sidechains:
- Layer 1 blockchains built on layer 0, having their nodes and consensus mechanisms.
- Benefits from cross-chain compatibility and security provided by layer 0.
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Cross-Chain Operations:
- Achieved through the inter-blockchain transfer protocol.
- Ensures compatibility, allowing assets and information sharing between the mainnet and sidechains.
Layer 0 Scalability
- Addresses the scalability problem of the "Blockchain Trilemma."
- Layer 0 protocols, such as Cosmos, Polkadot, and Avalanche, add independent blockchains and applications to the network, ensuring scalability without compromising decentralization and security.
Layer 0 Blockchain Projects
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Cosmos:
- Aims to build an "Internet of Blockchains."
- Features the Cosmos Hub (main chain) and independent sidechains.
- Uses Tendermind consensus mechanism and inter-blockchain communication protocol.
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Polkadot:
- A layer 0 protocol with specialized blockchains known as "parachains."
- Provides scalability through a common validator pool.
- Efficient, decentralized, and enables easy blockchain creation with the Substrate framework.
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Avalanche:
- A decentralized smart contract platform for dApp creation.
- Processes thousands of transactions per second with fast transaction finalization.
- Users can stake AVAX tokens or run nodes with existing hardware.
The Future of Layer 0 Blockchain
Layer 0 protocols offer solutions to the blockchain trilemma, providing flexibility to developers and infinite scalability. They address issues of high costs and congestion, attracting more users to blockchain technology.
FAQs on Blockchain Layer 0
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Popular Layer 0 Blockchains:
- Polkadot, Horizon, Cosmos, and Avalanche are mentioned.
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Layers in a Blockchain:
- Layer 0 (Underlying network architecture), Layer 1 (Independent blockchain system), Layer 2 (Scaling Solution for L1s), Layer 3 (Cross-chain operation solutions).
This comprehensive overview showcases the importance of layer 0 in addressing scalability challenges and fostering innovation in the blockchain space.
