Web 3.0: Tech Stack and Layers

Web 3.0 is the evolution of the internet based on Blockchain technology. Let’s go on a trip back to Web 1.0, 2.0 and compare them to Web 3.0. Web 1.0 was the first version of the internet that took off in the 90’s and consisted of static, content based websites and few were content creators. Web 2.0 took off in the early 2000’s and was defined by user generated content, think blogs, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. If Web 1.0 had a few content creators Web 2.0 allowed for everyone to be a content creator. We are currently in the early days of Web 3.0 where this period is and will be defined by the ability for user to own parts of the internet. Web 3.0 is a decentralized internet where data is stored in Distributed Ledger Technology or Blockchains. This has allowed for the rise of Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DAOs or Decentralized Autonomous Organizations and the Metaverse.

In this post I want to focus your attention on the different technology layers of Web 3.0. Billion dollar businesses have been created to solve problems and innovate in each layer of the technology stack and many more will appear over the next decade or so. The Web 3.0 infrastructure is based on Peer-to-Peer Networks removing the middleman. Here’s how it looks:

Protocol Layer: This level includes blockchains such as Ethereum (the most popular), Polygon, Binance Smart Chain, Solana and more. This is where all the data is stored. Ethereum is known for it’s high transaction fees which is why some are flocking to other blockchains with lower gas fees. As Ethereum moves from a Proof of Work to a Proof of Stake method the fees are gradually going down. (Ethereum 2.0 is also in the works that will significantly increase number of transactions per second.

Nodes Layer: Nodes are needed to communicate with the blockchain. It is possible for a developer to run their own node to communicate with other nodes on the network, however this is a full time job and thankfully other organizations take care of that. Infura, Alchemy, Chainstack, Getblock, Pocket Network, Quicknode, and RunNode enable you to use their nodes.

APIs Layer: If you’re building a dApp or a decentralized app, this is the layer you’ll be communicating with. The level allows for software to interact with other pieces of software in a stable and secure environment. Providers in this level include Moralis, Covalent, The Graph, Quicknode, Alchemy, Bitquery, and Biconomy

Use Case Layer: This is where it all comes together includes Games like Axie Infinity and Sandbox, NFT Marketplaces like OpenSea and is the layer where there is a user interface for the people to interact with the protocol later.

Sources:

https://moralis.io/exploring-the-web3-tech-stack-full-guide/

https://www.coinbase.com/learn/market-updates/around-the-block-issue-22

https://101blockchains.com/web-3-0-blockchain-technology-stack/

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/web-1-0-web-2-0-and-web-3-0-with-their-difference/