We quite often listen about L1s, L2s and now even L3s but L0s are reasonably less discussed. Although today we are going to understand What is layer 0 in Blockchain world and how it's different from layer 1 blockchains?
What is Layer 0 Protocol?
Let's clarify this with an example first. In physical buildings you would always have a ground floor, above that there's floor 1, and subsequently floor 2, 3, 4 and so on. As the ground floor or floor 0 is essential to create floors above, in the same way L0s form a base for L1s, L2s and so on.
"With the above example we can now say that Layer 0 is the fundamental blockchain protocol that provides essential infrastructure to run multiple L1s, then L2s and L3s upon them".
What are Popular Layer 0 Protocols?
The popular Layer 0 protocols are Cosmos, Polkadot and Avalanche. However there are many differences among these 3 yet, they all share one common goal. They all are capable of running multiple and parallel chains on their infrastructure. For detailed impression of differences among these chains, please click here. For suggestive differences, look at the image below.
Difference Between Layer 0 and Layer 1 Protocols
The whole origin of layer 0 protocols is based upon improvement for the limitations of Layer 1 protocols. Take Bitcoin for example. It's a layer 1 chain with a list of limitations like scalability, low transaction speed and higher gas fees. While layer 1 protocols limit developers on several points, Layer 0 provides them much more independence and sovereignty for their project.
Additionally cross chain inter-operability is also significantly better on layer 0. However there are some layer 1 protocols that provide this facility but none of them come to layer 0 protocols. Layer 0 has the benifit of much needed freedom with no capping and limitations at all. One example of this freedom is that layer 0 protocols like Polkadot and Cosmos run their main chain on proof of stake mechanism, yet a layer 1 project built upon them can chose the proof of work mechanism.
Overall, L0s have provided much needed pace and freedom for the development of blockchain ecosystem and it won't be a surprise that one day these L0s dominate the crypto market.
Are Bitcoin and Ethereum Layer 0 or Layer 1 Protocols?
Bitcoin and Ethereum are layer 1 chains without any visible layer 0 for them. It does not mean that they don't have any layer 0 fundamentals. Bitcoin and Ethereum are L1s built upon blockchain infrastructure that performs as layer 0 for them. The blockchain technology in itself is a layer 0. Why we don't consider Bitcoin and Ethereum Layer 0 network because they aren't capable of running parralel blockchains with their own set of rules. Instead Bitcoin and Ethereum impose their rules when and if they create a parallel chain.
In A Nutshell
Hence we can say that freedom and sovereignty are two most significant aspects that L0 protocols are catering. With other benifits and developer friendly environment L0 protocols have all the potential to grow rapidly in future.
So Friends, please tell me in the comment box whether you like the layer 0 protocols and which is your favourite among Polkadot, Cosmos and Avalanche?
As Always Thanks for Reading and Tipping
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