What is the difference between a layer 1 and a layer 2 network?

A layer 1, such as Ethereum or Solana, settles and secures transactions itself. A layer 2, such as Base, Arbitrum or Optimism, processes transactions separately and relies on Ethereum for security, which usually makes fees lower.

Can I send USDC from Solana to an address on Base?

Not with a normal transfer. A transfer only moves tokens within one network. To move value between networks you need a bridge or a cross-chain service, such as Circle's Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol for USDC, or you sell on one network and buy on the other.

Is my wallet address the same on every network?

On Ethereum-compatible networks such as Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon and Optimism, the same account usually has the same 0x address. Solana uses a different address format, so a Solana address cannot be used on Ethereum and the reverse.

A testnet is a public network for developers where tokens have no real value. Mainnet is the production network where real transactions happen. Tokens sent on a testnet cannot be moved to mainnet.

Which network is best for sending stablecoins?

The one both sides support. After that, compare fees and speed. Layer 2 networks and Solana are usually cheaper than Ethereum mainnet for small transfers, but check what your recipient's wallet or exchange accepts first.

Blockchain network

By xChange.bg team
Published 16 September 2026

When people say "send it on Solana" or "I only accept Base", they are talking about blockchain networks. Choosing the right one is the most practical decision in any stablecoin transfer.

How a blockchain network works

A blockchain is a ledger of transactions. EU law, in MiCA, describes it as an information repository shared across and synchronised between network nodes using a consensus mechanism. In practice:

Nodes keep a copy of the ledger and check new transactions.
Validators propose and confirm new blocks of transactions under the network's consensus rules.
A native token pays for processing: ETH on Ethereum and on its layer 2 networks such as Base, Arbitrum and Optimism, SOL on Solana, POL on Polygon. That payment is the gas fee.

Networks differ in speed, cost and design. Ethereum mainnet is the base layer. Layer 2 networks process transactions off the main chain and rely on Ethereum for security, which lowers fees. Solana is a separate layer 1 built for high throughput.

Why the network matters for stablecoins

Circle issues USDC natively on dozens of networks, and each deployment is its own token contract. On Ethereum-compatible networks USDC is a smart contract, and on others it uses the network's built-in token system. A normal transfer moves tokens only within one network. Tether gives the same warning for USDT: check the network before sending.

Address formats add another layer. Ethereum-compatible networks share the 0x wallet address format, so an address can look valid on a network the recipient does not use. Solana addresses are a different format entirely.

The self-custody wallet offered by xChange.bg, a technology provider whose accounts and conversions come from the regulated partner Bridge (a Stripe company), works on Solana, Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon and Optimism.

Example

A client in London wants to pay you 800 USDC. Your wallet supports Base. You send your 0x address and write "USDC on Base". The client's exchange offers Ethereum and Base, the client picks Base, and the payment arrives quickly, with a network fee that on a layer 2 is usually a matter of cents.

If the client had picked Ethereum mainnet instead, the same 0x address would have received the USDC there. Your account controls both, but you would need a wallet that shows Ethereum and enough ETH to pay gas before moving the funds. If the client had picked a network your wallet does not support at all, recovery could be difficult.

Common confusion

"USDC" alone is not a complete payment instruction. Name the token and the network together. Say "USDC on Solana", not just "USDC".
A bridge is not a normal transfer. Bridges and cross-chain protocols are separate services with their own risks and fees.
Mainnet and testnet look alike. Testnet tokens have no value.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a layer 1 and a layer 2 network?: A layer 1, such as Ethereum or Solana, settles and secures transactions itself. A layer 2, such as Base, Arbitrum or Optimism, processes transactions separately and relies on Ethereum for security, which usually makes fees lower.
Can I send USDC from Solana to an address on Base?: Not with a normal transfer. A transfer only moves tokens within one network. To move value between networks you need a bridge or a cross-chain service, such as Circle's Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol for USDC, or you sell on one network and buy on the other.
Is my wallet address the same on every network?: On Ethereum-compatible networks such as Ethereum, Base, Arbitrum, Polygon and Optimism, the same account usually has the same 0x address. Solana uses a different address format, so a Solana address cannot be used on Ethereum and the reverse.
What is a testnet?: A testnet is a public network for developers where tokens have no real value. Mainnet is the production network where real transactions happen. Tokens sent on a testnet cannot be moved to mainnet.
Which network is best for sending stablecoins?: The one both sides support. After that, compare fees and speed. Layer 2 networks and Solana are usually cheaper than Ethereum mainnet for small transfers, but check what your recipient's wallet or exchange accepts first.