The Layer 1 refers to the fundamental layer of a blockchain, which ensures the basic functioning of the network, such as transaction validation, security, and block production. It is the main infrastructure upon which all other layers and applications depend.

Among the most well-known Layer 1 blockchains are Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and BNB Chain. Each has its own consensus rules (proof of work, proof of stake, etc.) and its native ecosystem.

When Layer 1 encounters scalability limits (number of transactions per second), Layer 2 solutions are developed to improve performance without changing the base layer.

Therefore, Layer 1 is the technological foundation on which crypto-assets, smart contracts (smart contracts), and decentralized applications (dApps) are built.