The time from broadcast to a usable confirmation, distinct from theoretical throughput.

A network that provides shared security or messaging so many Layer 1s can plug in, such as Polkadot or Cosmos.

A base blockchain that settles its own transactions, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, or the XRP Ledger.

A network built on a Layer 1 that processes transactions off the base chain and posts proofs or data back to it.

An interoperability protocol that uses oracles and relayers to pass messages between chains.

A compact proof that a transaction or state is in a header a light client already trusts.

Bitcoin's payment-channel network for cheap, fast transfers that settle back to L1 when channels close.