Layer 1 (L1) Blockchain
A Layer 1 (L1) blockchain refers to the base layer or main network in a blockchain architecture, responsible for the fundamental operations such as transaction processing, consensus mechanisms, and smart contract execution.
For the EVM ecosystem, the Ethereum mainnet is the layer 1 chain. Building directly on Ethereum provides direct access to the network's core features and security guarantees. However, it may also involve challenges related to scalability and transaction costs, as all operations are processed on the main chain.
Chains that settle their transactions on the Ethereum mainnet are thus Ethereum layer 2 networks, examples of which include Base, Apechain and Polygon.