Clear DefinitionsLayer 0
1 min read
Pronunciation
[ley-er zeer-oh]
Analogy
Think of Layer 0 as the internet itself or the highway system. It doesn't dictate what specific websites (Layer 1 blockchains) are built or what kind of cars (transactions) travel on it, but it provides the underlying infrastructure (roads, cables, core protocols) that allows different websites or cities to connect and communicate with each other.
Definition
A foundational network protocol that underpins multiple Layer 1 blockchains, enabling interoperability and shared infrastructure. Layer 0 protocols provide the fundamental building blocks, such as network communication, consensus mechanisms, and cross-chain transfer capabilities, that other blockchains can leverage.
Key Points Intro
Layer 0 aims to create an 'internet of blockchains' by providing shared infrastructure and interoperability.
Key Points
Provides the base infrastructure for building and connecting multiple Layer 1 blockchains.
Focuses on interoperability, allowing different blockchains to communicate and exchange value.
May offer shared security or consensus mechanisms that Layer 1s can utilize.
Examples include Polkadot (Relay Chain), Cosmos (Hub and Zones), and Avalanche (Primary Network).
Example
Polkadot's Relay Chain is a Layer 0 that allows various specialized Layer 1 blockchains (parachains) to connect to it, share security, and interoperate with each other seamlessly.
Technical Deep Dive
Layer 0 protocols often feature a central relay chain or hub that coordinates activities among connected Layer 1 chains (sometimes called parachains, zones, or subnets). They typically provide a Software Development Kit (SDK) like Cosmos SDK or Substrate (for Polkadot) to simplify the creation of new Layer 1s that are natively interoperable within the Layer 0 ecosystem. Cross-chain communication protocols (like IBC in Cosmos or XCMP in Polkadot) are key components.
Caveat
The definition and scope of Layer 0 can sometimes be debated, with some considering the internet itself as the ultimate Layer 0. In the blockchain context, it generally refers to protocols specifically designed to host and connect other blockchains.
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