> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zecrey.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zecrey.com/education/concepts-explained/crypto-knowledge/layer-1-l1.md). # Layer 1 (L1) Layer 1 network is the basic layer of the blockchain. Both Ethereum and Bitcoin are layer 1 blockchains, as they are the cornerstone of the entire network, allowing various layer 2 networks to be built on top of them. The success of Ethereum has caused the current network congestion and a massive increase in the gas price. And some L1 blockchains have to make sacrifices in terms of security and decentralization in order to achieve higher transaction throughput and lower transaction fees than Ethereum. Therefore, better scalability solutions are necessary for the long-term development of the blockchain network. This is where Layer 2 comes in. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.zecrey.com/education/concepts-explained/crypto-knowledge/layer-1-l1.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.