What are the blockchain layers L0, L1, L2, and L3 in the blockchain
Last updated
Last updated
And what kind of relationship do these six layers have with layer0, layer1, and layer2? Without further ado, let us explain it to you with the following picture!
See, these six layers correspond to L0, L1, and L2 respectively.
Layer 0, also known as the data transmission layer, corresponds to the bottom layer of the OSI model, and mainly involves the combination of blockchain and traditional networks.
The Layer 1 capacity expansion solution, also known as on-chain capacity expansion, refers to the capacity expansion solution implemented on the blockchain base layer protocol.
The Layer 2 expansion solution, also known as off-chain expansion, refers to improving transaction processing speed through solutions such as state channels and side chains without changing the underlying protocols and basic rules of the blockchain.
Layer 3, which is not mentioned in the above figure, refers to the client application layer, so it is not mentioned in the logic technology of the blockchain.
In the blockchain industry, scalability, Layer 0/1/2/3 are undoubtedly a series of frequently mentioned terms. Layer 2 is arguably one of the hottest topics, especially now that Ethereum is actively merging and scaling.
So what are Layer 0, Layer 1, Layer 2, and Layer 3 of the blockchain, and what are the different characteristics and uses of these three-layer architectures? Today, let’s talk about these four layers separately.
Without further ado, here's another picture. The figure is arranged from the underlying logic of the technology to the customer's application, and some specific representative cases are listed.
Then let's look at the role of each layer separately.
L0 is the ground floor, which is where the internet and hardware connections exist, where Bitcoin can run smoothly on layer 1 using traditional networks. Layer 0 has the following functions:
1)Allow blockchains to interact with each other
A good example is Cosmos, which creates an interoperable blockchain ecosystem thanks to its “Tendermint IBC” (Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol).
For developers, this is a huge improvement. If a Dapp can run on one blockchain, it can also run automatically on other blockchains without investing more time and resources to build the same application on another chain, as long as they are using the same 0 layer built.
2)Faster and cheaper transactions
Using IBC, PoS consensus enables transactions across multiple chains, resulting in an almost instantaneous finalization time (finalization = when a block is approved, it cannot be rolled back and is considered irreversible). This makes transactions on cross-chain exchanges faster and cheaper.
3)is the infrastructure for developers
With the existence of L0, developers do not need to build their blockchain from scratch. Many features are pre-built and can be implemented immediately.
Layer 1 is a blockchain that processes and completes transactions on its own blockchain (such as Bitcoin and Ethereum). This is where things like consensus (PoW, PoS) and all the technical details like block times and dispute resolution work.
The three most important aspects of the first layer are the blockchain’s impossible triangle dilemma being overcome: decentralization, security, and scalability. But so far, there is still no blockchain that can solve all three problems well at the same time.
Layer 2 is a third-party integration used in conjunction with Layer 1, the main purpose of Layer2 was to improve scalability and transactions per second (system throughput).
When you hear about zero-knowledge rollups (zk rollups), sidechains, or anything related to speeding up transaction throughput, chances are you're referring to layer 2.
The third layer is the application layer. L3 is related to L2, just as L2 is related to L1. This is the UI platform that we as consumers actually interact with. For example, some people think that with Ethereum Layer 2, transaction throughput is still limited, and gas is not cheap enough to execute the required transactions required by order book-centric CEX, and it needs to rely on third-layer shunting.
The current cross-chain channel used between Layer1 and Layer2 is very inefficient and expensive. So it may be a good choice to move the combined operation between layers and the same layer to Layer3, and it is easier to implement. Since the customized Layer3 interoperates through Layer2 instead of Layer1, this is obviously cheaper.
