Introduction
With the advent of Web 3.0 and a great influx of people into the space, blockchain technology is today faced with a trilemma of satisfying security, decentralization and scalability, and it has become expedient that there'd be a need for scaling solutions. At the moment, a majority of blockchain networks only provide two of the three functions of security, decentralization and scalability, which are the core pillars of any blockchain network.
Scalability seems the most challenging and major concern for most layer 1 blockchains, hence the term "scaling solutions".
For example, Bitcoin is great in areas of decentralization and security but suffers as regards scalability.
The most popular blockchain scaling solutions (layers) we have currently include:
- Layer 0 (L0): The blockchain itself is referred to as layer zero. Internet, hardware, and other connections are required to implement blockchain technology. Layer zero blockchain is the initial stage of blockchain technology that enables blockchain networks to function. Layer 0 also facilitates cross-chain interoperability communication from the top layer to various layers. Layer 0 provides the blockchain’s fundamental infrastructure, including the protocols and standards that govern the blockchain network. The 3 main L0 Blockchains are: Cosmos, Polkadot, and Avalanche.
- Layer 1 (L1): A Layer 1 (L1) blockchain is the base layer of a blockchain network. It is responsible for the core functions of the network, such as consensus, security, and transaction execution. Layer 1 blockchains are typically designed to be scalable, secure, and decentralized.
Examples of the most popular Layer 1 blockchains include: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, etc.
Sharding is a scaling solution for layer 1 blockchains and it involves breaking down the blockchain network into smaller components to enable higher transaction speeds or throughput.
- Layer 2 (L2): Layer 2 blockchains are built on top of the existing Layer 1 infrastructure and are designed to address some of the limitations of Layer 1 blockchains.
This process offers improvements such as increased scalability, security, and efficiency, and is achieved by executing transactions off-chain to take some pressure off the main blockchain.
Some examples of Layer 2 blockchains are Polygon, Celo, X-dai, Optimism, Arbitrum, Starknet, etc.
Layer 2 blockchains have a different scaling solution from layer 1's and these include; State channels, Sidechains, and Rollups.
In addition to these layers/scaling solutions discussed above, we have two more that are currently being researched and worked on. They are:
1. Layer 3 (L3): This is mostly known as the "application layer", and hosts decentralized applications (DApps) and their protocols. The "application layer" consists of APIs, user interfaces (UI), scripts, and smart contracts.
In the L3 model, each DApp operates on its own network, and networks are designed to provide a dedicated environment for a single decentralized application, allowing it to operate independently with its own rules, governance mechanisms, and economic incentives.
'Orbs' is an example of a Layer 3 blockchain network; the protocol leverages the security provided by Layer 1 chains, the scalability offered by Layer 2, and its own smart contract deployment layer to enhance the functionality of Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) compliant smart contracts.
By optimizing resources for a single DApp, Layer 3 blockchains improve transaction speed, reduce fees, and enhance the overall user experience. They also provide a platform for rapid innovation, allowing developers to create specialized and user-centric applications.
2. Layer '-1' (L'-1'): This is a distinctive blockchain infrastructure and scaling solution which is being developed by the TRIAS network, and not much is known about this model at the time of this writing.
As highlighted in a previous AMA session by its core team;
"Trias functions as an intricate, multi-layered network system, with the current focus of the Trias token centred on Layer ‘-1’.
Layer ‘-1’ is not directly involved in transaction handling and necessitates the creation of a dedicated Layer 1 atop it."
The idea for this infrastructure was first proposed in a 2011 paper by its Founder. It employs the HCGraph algorithm where nodes can undergo frequent verification by their peers, thereby establishing a Web of Trust in which nodes can mutually validate each other’s integrity.
To fully leverage Layer ‘-1’s potential, it further requires advanced technology stacks which are distinct ecosystem projects within the Layer '-1' infrastructure.
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