There has been a lot of buzz around the term “mainnet” in the crypto world lately. So, what is mainnet in crypto and what does it mean for you? In this beginner’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about it. Mainnet is simply the name given to the original blockchain platform on that a cryptocurrency is built.
Other than the basics of the mainnet, we will discuss its characteristics, benefits, risk associated and almost everything related to it. Keep reading to know more about it!
What is Mainnet in Crypto?
A mainnet is the original and primary network for a given cryptocurrency. It is the blockchain that is used to produce and distribute new units or tokens of that cryptocurrency. In other words, it is the “master” blockchain that all other crypto networks are based on.
A mainnet launch usually occurs after a lengthy testing period, during which time the network is running on a test net. Once the mainnet is launched, trading of the currency on exchanges can begin.
Example of Mainnet
Most major cryptocurrencies have their own mainnets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Ethereum was recently upgraded to Ethereum 2.0 which involves the mainnet. There are also many altcoins that are based on existing mainnets, such as Bitcoin Cash and Ethereum Classic.
In some cases, a cryptocurrency may start off as an ERC20 token on the Ethereum mainnet before launching its own mainnet at a later date.
How Mainnet in Cryptocurrency Affect Prices
The price of a cryptocurrency is often directly affected by the launch of its mainnet. This is because mainnets represent a significant milestone for a project, as they signify that the project is now operational and ready for use.
Cryptocurrencies that are powered by a mainnet are often more valuable than those that are not. For example, if you go to sell Bitcoin in Dubai for cash, you’ll find a pool of buyers easily as compared to if you want to sell some other digital currency that is not on the mainnet. This is because mainnets tend to be more stable and secure than other types of blockchains. As a result, investors are often willing to pay more for currencies that are backed by a mainnet.
Mainnet in Cryptocurrencies to Watch Out For
EOS Mainnet Launch
EOS was one of the most anticipated blockchain projects, as it is seen as a faster, more scalable, and more efficient version of Ethereum. EOS is a platform that allows for the development of decentralized applications.
Its software provides accounts, authentication, cloud storage databases and server hosting- making it possible to process millions of transactions per second.
VeChain Mainnet
The VeChain project plans for a smooth transition between the Internet of Things and blockchain. They’re competing to create a system that doesn’t require trust and is transparent with information sharing.
The release date for their cryptocurrency, VeChain Mainnet, was June 30th, 2018. which followed their test net launch on May 1st, 2018.
Ethereum Mainnet
Ethereum Mainnet’s always wanted to offer a platform that enables developers to build decentralized applications as it helps to promote blockchain technology and increase its adoption rate.
In addition to the platform, they also have their own cryptocurrency called Ether. As of now, there are already many decentralized applications built on Ethereum, which speaks to its quality as one of the best mainnets available.
What are the characteristics of a Mainnet in Crypto?
A decentralized cryptocurrency network allows users to transact with each other without the need for a third-party intermediary. The mainnet is powered by a blockchain, which is a distributed database that records all transactions on the network in a secure and immutable manner.
One of the key characteristics of a mainnet is that it is completely open and transparent, meaning that all transactions are publicly visible on the blockchain. Another key characteristic is that the mainnet is decentralized, meaning that it is not controlled by any single entity. This makes it resistant to manipulation and censorship.
Finally, the mainnet is also very secure, as all transactions are verified and confirmed by the network before being added to the blockchain.
Why do we need a Mainnet in Cryptocurrency?
A mainnet is essential for the functioning of a cryptocurrency because it provides a safe and secure way to store and transfer funds. Without a mainnet, there would be no way to verify the ownership of tokens or to ensure that transactions are valid. Mainnets also play an important role in the security of a cryptocurrency by ensuring that all nodes in the network are synchronized and can be trusted.
Mainnets are essential for the proper functioning of a cryptocurrency and provide many benefits to users. They help to keep funds safe and secure, and they also help to ensure that all transactions are valid. They also play an important role in the security of a cryptocurrency by ensuring that all nodes in the network are synchronized and can be trusted.
The Benefits of Mainnet
Increased security
The benefit of having a mainnet is that it provides increased security for the users of the network. This is because, the users are in control of their own private keys and public keys.
Mainnets are considered to be more secure than testnets or test networks. This is because testnets are often used by developers to test new features or applications before they are deployed on mainnets. As such, testnets are often less secure as they may contain bugs that can be exploited by hackers. In contrast, mainnets have been through rigorous testing by developers and are thus less likely to contain any vulnerabilities.
Overall, having a mainnet provides increased security for the users of a blockchain network. Mainnets are also considered to be more stable and reliable than testnets as they are not subject to sudden changes or updates.
More transparency
Mainnet is a blockchain that runs on its own network of nodes and is not dependent on any third-party service. This means that transactions on the mainnet are fully transparent and viewable by anyone on the network. For example, if you want to sell Bitcoin in Dubai or anywhere in the world, the process will be transparent. This level of transparency is not possible on other networks such as those run by centralised exchanges.
Mainnet also allows users to directly interact with the blockchain without the need for a middleman. This allows for more efficient and secure transactions as there is no risk of third-party services being hacked or compromised.
Overall, the it provides a higher level of transparency and security for users, making it the preferred choice for those looking to invest in cryptocurrencies.
Enhanced scalability
The key benefit of having a mainnet is that it provides enhanced scalability. This is because each block can be much larger than a block on a testnet or test network. As a result, more transactions can be processed per second and the overall network can handle more traffic.
This is essential for any cryptocurrency that wants to be widely used and adopted. While mainnets can be subject to forks and other issues, they are still the most secure and scalable option for cryptocurrencies.
Improved efficiency
One benefit of using the mainnet is improved efficiency. If a project is built on top of an existing mainnet, it can save time and resources by not having to create a brand-new blockchain from scratch. This can be especially helpful for smaller projects that may not have the same level of resources as a larger project.
Additionally, being built on an existing mainnet can help to increase the level of trust that investors have in a project, as it shows that the team behind the project is serious about their work and is willing to use proven technology. Overall, mainnet provides improved efficiency in both time and resources, which can be beneficial for any project looking to launch its own cryptocurrency.
Reduced costs
Organizations that engage in crypto payments using their own mainnets can avoid high transaction fees. For instance, when you buy BTC in Dubai or anywhere else, the transactions are made on the mainnet, and they are verified by the entire network of nodes. This adds a degree of security that is not present when dealing with centralized exchanges.
The payments made on a mainnet are often faster as there is no need to wait for confirmations from miners. Overall, the use of mainnets can lead to reduced costs for organizations that engage in crypto payments.
What are the Risks of Mainnet?
Bugs and glitches
One of the risks associated with mainnet in cryptocurrency is the potential for bugs and glitches. While the mainnet itself is designed to be robust and secure, there is always the possibility that an unforeseen problem could arise. For example, a bug could allow hackers to gain access to funds or personal information.
Alternatively, a glitch could cause transaction delays or prevent users from accessing their accounts. While such problems are relatively rare, they can have a significant impact on those affected. As such, it is important to be aware of the risks before using any mainnet-based service.
Network congestion
Network congestion is a big risk factor when it comes to mainnet in crypto. This is because when there is too much traffic on the network, it can lead to delays in transactions and even result in some being dropped altogether. This can be a major problem for businesses that rely on the blockchain for their operations, as it can disrupt their ability to function properly.
There are a few ways to help reduce the risk of network congestion, such as investing in higher-quality hardware and increasing the capacity of the network.
However, even with these measures in place, there is always the potential for congestion to occur. As a result, businesses need to be aware of this risk and take steps to mitigate it.
Increased volatility
When a new coin or token is released on a mainnet, its price is often highly volatile as investors try to determine its true value. This can lead to rapid gains or losses, depending on when you buy or sell. For those who are not careful, this increased volatility can quickly erode their investment portfolio. Mainnets are therefore best approached with caution and only by those who are prepared to stomach the risks involved.
51% attack
A 51% attack is a scenario where someone gains control of more than half of the computing power on a network. This would allow them to double-spend coins, prevent new transactions from being confirmed, and even reverse transactions that have already been completed.
While this may sound far-fetched, it is a very real possibility on a decentralized network like Bitcoin. In fact, there have already been a few instances where someone has come close to launching a 51% attack. The example was in May of 2018 when a group of attackers gained control of over half of the Bitcoin Cash network.
Thankfully, they did nothing with their newfound power and eventually lost their majority. However, this event highlights the vulnerability of decentralized networks and the importance of keeping them secure. While a 51% attack may not be likely, it is still a very real risk that comes with mainnet in crypto.
How to Use Mainnet Safely?
Use a hardware wallet
If you are holding any cryptocurrency, the best way to keep it safe is to use a hardware wallet. These devices are designed to be highly secure and offer a number of features that make them ideal for storing crypto. Ledger and Trezor are two of the most popular hardware wallets on the market.
Try not to hold too much cryptocurrency on exchanges
Another way to help keep your crypto safe is to avoid holding too much of it on exchanges. Exchanges are often targeted by hackers and can be subject to hacks, scams, and other malicious activity. As such, it is best to only store the amount of crypto you need on an exchange and to keep the rest in a secure wallet.
You should always diversify your crypto portfolio
When it comes to investing in cryptocurrency, you should always diversify your portfolio. This means investing in a variety of different coins and tokens instead of putting all your eggs in one basket. By doing this, you can offset the risk of any one investment going sour.
