> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://okatex-whitepaper.gitbook.io/okatex-whitepaper-v1/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://okatex-whitepaper.gitbook.io/okatex-whitepaper-v1/background.md).

# Background

**What is Blockchain Layer 1?**\
Layer-1 Network is another name for the underlying blockchain. Blockchain is referred to as layer-1 because it acts as the main network in its ecosystem. Layer-1 scaling solutions are also often referred to as on-chain networks.

In other words, a protocol is layer-1 because it can process and settle transactions on its own blockchain. They also have their own native token, which is used to pay transaction fees. The main advantage of layer-1 is that there is no need to add anything on top of the existing architecture.

Layer 1 blockchain network or better known as layer 1 is a basic blockchain network structure and is used as the main base of a crypto asset. We can see an example of a layer 1 structure in various large crypto coins today, such as BNB (Binance Smart Chain), BTC (Bitcoin) and ETH (Ethereum).

The basic structure of any crypto asset that has a main blockchain without being based on other networks is known as layer 1, this is because the main network in a blockchain ecosystem stands alone without depending on other structures.

In contrast to the layer 1 blockchain, there is an off-chain protocol and better known as layer 2, this is the main protocol that is built on the main chain. In other words, a new protocol can be called layer 1 if it can process and complete every transaction in the main structure of the blockchain without relying on other networks.

## Blockchain Layer 1 Scaling Solution

Before going into discussing the differences between layer-1 and layer-2 blockchains, there are several important points that need to be known first, such as scaling or scaling on a layer 1 blockchain. The definition of a layer 1 blockchain network is the main protocol mechanism that forms the basis of a blockchain network .

Usually layer 1 scaling itself serves as an improvisation to increase the scalability of the use of the protocol on the basis of a blockchain network in order to. Therefore, there are usually various ways to increase the scalability of a blockchain network. For example, such a new solution to implement at layer-1 by modifying transactions directly on the rules of the main protocol.

This is usually used to increase the capacity and speed of a transaction. Besides this, scaling solutions on layer 1 blockchain networks can provide greater transaction capacity to accommodate every data.

## Layer 1 Blockchain Sharding

The sharding mechanism on a layer 1 blockchain network is a popular layer 1 scaling solution and is typically used to increase efficiency through the total output of all transactions on the main network structure.

The sharding technique itself also transforms a single database that is on the blockchain ledger into several smaller database partitions and is distributed on public networks more effectively and efficiently.

Fundamentally, the network and its nodes will be divided into multiple shards, where this mechanism will spread the workload across multiple partitions and ultimately increase the total transaction speed on the main network.

Sharding on a layer-1 blockchain is a more distributed structure that offers wider scalability to its users, this is because each node does not have to store a complete copy of all data on the blockchain network to be able to make transactions.

## Layer 1 Blockchain Example

There are many examples of layer-1 blockchains that exist today, the most common examples, such as bitcoin or ethereum. Each network was created as a solution of various problems to the three dilemmas of blockchain technology, namely decentralization, security, and scalability.

OIeh because of that we can see various projects based on blockchain technology that offer a form of digital asset by implementing layer 1 without depending on other networks. Some examples of crypto assets that use layer-1 are;

* Solana
* Avalanche
* Cardano
* Algorand
* Elrond
* Polkadot<br>

**Some of the main characteristics of layer 1 crypto:**

1. **Consensus**: Layer 1 cryptos establish a consensus mechanism that governs how new blocks are added to the blockchain and how agreement is reached between stakeholders. Examples of consensus mechanisms include Proof of Work (PoW) as used by Bitcoin, Proof of Stake (PoS), and various other variants.
2. **Security**: Layer 1 is also responsible for network security and protecting data integrity. This is done through strong cryptography and consensus mechanisms that prevent attacks and network manipulation.
3. **Scalability**: Layer 1 cryptos must also be able to handle high transaction volumes and support network growth efficiently. Scalability becomes a complex challenge in layer 1, due to limited block capacity and transaction confirmation times.
4. **Functionality**: Layer 1 provides basic functions such as transaction validation, block generation, and transaction recording on the blockchain. This is the layer that ensures the reliability and integrity of data in the network.

**How Layer-1 Works :** \
Layer-1 networks are usually introduced by the project development team. Depending on the scaling solution you have, generally the community will need a network hard fork or soft fork. Plus some minor compatible changes. One example is the SegWit update on the Bitcoin network.

For larger changes, such as increasing the Bitcoin block size to 8MB, of course a hard fork is required. The hard fork itself creates two versions of the blockchain, one with updates and one without updates. Another option to increase network throughput is by sharding. This is done by dividing blockchain operations into several smaller parts that can process data simultaneously.


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