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Overview

N1 splits the blockchain into a lean settlement layer and an asynchronous execution network. The result is app-level performance with shared security and data availability.

Architecture​

The protocol has a few major responsibilities:

  • Host the network's native financial modules - an orderbook, RFQ, and a margin system, with more to come - secured by validators.
  • Replicate and make application data available.
  • Verify that app state transitions are valid or challenge invalid transitions.
  • Route assets and messages between settlement and app execution environments.

The execution layer is made of independent processes. Each process can run a different VM and communicate with other processes through ordered channels.

Read the protocol pages​

  • Modules: the network's native financial modules - orderbook, RFQ, and margin system - secured by validators.
  • Settlement: how N1 stores commitments, certifies state transitions, and handles bridging.
  • Execution: how dedicated compute environments communicate without one global state bottleneck.
  • Transaction Lifecycle: how deposits, withdrawals, and cross-app transfers move through the system.

Transition strategy​

N1 is rolling out decentralization in phases. Proton is live today with a curated operator and validator monitoring. The next phase connects to Jito (Re)staking, and the final phase moves data availability and proof verification into the N1 validator set.