by Ava Labs
Quick Fact
The main Avalanche network is also a subnet consisting of three blockchains (P-Chain, C-Chain, X-Chain).
Avalanche Subnets are highly customizable blockchain networks that operate independently within the Avalanche ecosystem. These Subnets allow developers to create application-specific blockchains with unique rules, tokenomics, validators, and consensus mechanisms, providing a scalable solution to handle high transaction volumes without straining the main Avalanche network.
Independent blockchains can be created on Subnets, each with its own set of validators, which helps to relieve congestion on the primary network. Each Subnet operates independently, meaning that the performance of one Subnet does not affect others. This isolation helps prevent congestion and ensures that Subnets can scale efficiently without being impacted by the activity in other parts of the network. This setup significantly increases transaction throughput and reduces gas fees, making it ideal for high-performing and low-cost applications.
Developers can customize Subnets to meet specific requirements, such as custom tokenomics, governance models, and consensus rules. This flexibility allows for the creation of specialized blockchains optimized for various use cases, including DeFi, gaming, real-world asset tokenization, etc.
Validators on each Subnet must stake a significant amount of AVAX tokens, enhancing the network's security and decentralization. This requirement ensures that validators are committed to maintaining the network's integrity and performance. Validators on Subnets can facilitate cross-chain transactions using Avalanche Warp Messaging (AWM), which allows for seamless communication between Subnets.