> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.monei.cc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Networks

> Understanding blockchain networks supported by Monei infrastructure

## Overview

Monei supports multiple blockchain networks, allowing you to choose the best network for your use case based on speed, cost, and ecosystem. This guide covers all supported networks and how to work with them.

**What you'll learn:**

* Supported blockchain networks
* Network characteristics and trade-offs
* Switching between networks
* Network-specific considerations
* Best practices for network selection

***

## Supported Networks

Monei infrastructure supports 6+ blockchain networks across EVM and non-EVM ecosystems:

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="EVM Networks (6)">
    Ethereum Virtual Machine compatible chains. Same address across all networks

    * Ethereum Mainnet
    * BNB Smart Chain (BSC)
    * Polygon
    * Base
    * Arbitrum
    * Optimism
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Non-EVM (1)">
    Alternative blockchain architectures

    * Solana (Mainnet & Devnet)
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Info>
  Your EVM wallet address works across all 6 EVM chains. You don't need separate addresses for each network.
</Info>

***

## Network Details

### Ethereum Mainnet

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **The original smart contract blockchain**

    * **Chain ID:** 1
    * **Native Token:** ETH
    * **Consensus:** Proof of Stake
    * **Block Time:** \~12 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~13 minutes (2 epochs)

    **Best For:**

    * High-value transactions
    * Maximum security
    * DeFi protocols
    * NFT marketplaces
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Gas Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$2-$10
    * Token swap: \~$10-$50
    * Complex contracts: \~$50-$200

    **When to Use:**

    * Transactions over \$10,000
    * Critical smart contract interactions
    * When security is paramount
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: etherscan.io
    * Max gas: 30,000,000 per block
    * EIP-1559: Yes (base fee + priority)

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    chainId: 1
    network: 'ethereum'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### BNB Smart Chain (BSC)

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **High-performance EVM-compatible chain**

    * **Chain ID:** 56
    * **Native Token:** BNB
    * **Consensus:** Proof of Staked Authority
    * **Block Time:** \~3 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~45 seconds (15 blocks)

    **Best For:**

    * Cost-effective DeFi
    * High-frequency trading
    * Gaming applications
    * Everyday transactions
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Gas Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$0.05-$0.20
    * Token swap: \~$0.20-$1.00
    * Complex contracts: \~$1.00-$3.00

    **When to Use:**

    * Transactions $100-$10,000
    * Regular DeFi operations
    * Cost-sensitive applications
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: bscscan.com
    * Validators: 21 active
    * Compatible: Ethereum tooling

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    chainId: 56
    network: 'bnb-smart-chain'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Polygon

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **Ultra-low-cost Ethereum sidechain**

    * **Chain ID:** 137
    * **Native Token:** MATIC
    * **Consensus:** Proof of Stake
    * **Block Time:** \~2 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~4 minutes (128 blocks)

    **Best For:**

    * Micro-transactions
    * NFT minting
    * Web3 gaming
    * High-volume applications
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Gas Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$0.001-$0.01
    * Token swap: \~$0.01-$0.05
    * Complex contracts: \~$0.05-$0.20

    **When to Use:**

    * Transactions under \$100
    * Frequent small transactions
    * Testing and development
    * NFT projects
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: polygonscan.com
    * Validators: 100+
    * Ethereum bridge: Native

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    chainId: 137
    network: 'polygon'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Base (Coinbase L2)

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2**

    * **Chain ID:** 8453
    * **Native Token:** ETH
    * **Consensus:** Optimistic Rollup
    * **Block Time:** \~2 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~7 days (for withdrawals)

    **Best For:**

    * Coinbase ecosystem integration
    * Low-cost Ethereum transactions
    * Consumer applications
    * Social applications
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Gas Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$0.02-$0.10
    * Token swap: \~$0.10-$0.50
    * Complex contracts: \~$0.50-$2.00

    **When to Use:**

    * Coinbase users
    * Medium-value transactions
    * Fast, cheap Ethereum transactions
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: basescan.org
    * Built on: OP Stack
    * Ethereum settlement: Yes

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    chainId: 8453
    network: 'base'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Arbitrum

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **Leading Ethereum Layer 2**

    * **Chain ID:** 42161
    * **Native Token:** ETH
    * **Consensus:** Optimistic Rollup
    * **Block Time:** \~0.25 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~7 days (for withdrawals)

    **Best For:**

    * Ethereum DeFi at scale
    * High-throughput applications
    * Complex smart contracts
    * Developer-friendly environment
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Gas Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$0.10-$0.50
    * Token swap: \~$0.50-$2.00
    * Complex contracts: \~$2.00-$5.00

    **When to Use:**

    * Ethereum ecosystem preference
    * Medium-to-high value DeFi
    * Fast settlement needs
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: arbiscan.io
    * TVL: \$2B+ (as of 2024)
    * EVM compatible: 100%

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    chainId: 42161
    network: 'arbitrum'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Optimism

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **Ethereum Layer 2 with retroactive funding**

    * **Chain ID:** 10
    * **Native Token:** ETH
    * **Consensus:** Optimistic Rollup
    * **Block Time:** \~2 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~7 days (for withdrawals)

    **Best For:**

    * Public goods funding
    * Ethereum DeFi
    * DAO operations
    * Community-driven projects
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Gas Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$0.05-$0.30
    * Token swap: \~$0.30-$1.50
    * Complex contracts: \~$1.50-$4.00

    **When to Use:**

    * Optimism ecosystem
    * Governance participation
    * Cost-effective Ethereum L2
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: optimistic.etherscan.io
    * OP Stack: Yes
    * Superchain: Member

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    chainId: 10
    network: 'optimism'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

### Solana

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Overview">
    **High-performance blockchain with ultra-low fees**

    * **Chain ID:** N/A (not EVM)
    * **Native Token:** SOL
    * **Consensus:** Proof of History + PoS
    * **Block Time:** \~0.4 seconds
    * **Finality:** \~13 seconds (32 slots)

    **Best For:**

    * High-frequency trading
    * Ultra-low-cost transactions
    * Fast settlement
    * DeFi and NFTs at scale
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Costs">
    **Transaction Fees:**

    * Simple transfer: \~$0.0001-$0.001
    * Token swap: \~$0.001-$0.01
    * Complex programs: \~$0.01-$0.05

    **When to Use:**

    * Any transaction size
    * Speed-critical applications
    * Cost optimization priority
    * Non-EVM ecosystem
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Technical">
    **Specifications:**

    * RPC: Provided by Monei
    * Explorer: solscan.io
    * TPS: 65,000+ theoretical
    * Programs: Rust/C/C++

    **Network Identifier:**

    ```javascript theme={null}
    network: 'mainnet-beta' // or 'devnet'
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Network Comparison

### Quick Reference Table

| Network      | Chain ID | Avg. Fee | Speed | Best For                 |
| ------------ | -------- | -------- | ----- | ------------------------ |
| **Polygon**  | 137      | \$0.01   | 2s    | Micro-transactions, NFTs |
| **BSC**      | 56       | \$0.10   | 3s    | General DeFi, Trading    |
| **Base**     | 8453     | \$0.05   | 2s    | Coinbase ecosystem       |
| **Optimism** | 10       | \$0.15   | 2s    | Ethereum L2 DeFi         |
| **Arbitrum** | 42161    | \$0.20   | 0.25s | High-throughput DeFi     |
| **Ethereum** | 1        | \$5.00   | 12s   | High-value, Security     |
| **Solana**   | -        | \$0.001  | 0.4s  | Speed, Volume            |

***

## Working with Networks

### Get Supported Networks

<CodeGroup>
  ```javascript Node.js theme={null}
  import MoneiSDK from 'monei-sdk';

  const monei = new MoneiSDK({
    apiKey: process.env.MONEI_API_KEY,
  });

  // Get all supported EVM networks
  const evmNetworks = await monei.evm.getSupportedNetworks();

  evmNetworks.forEach(network => {
    console.log(`${network.name} (Chain ID: ${network.chainId})`);
    console.log(`  Native: ${network.nativeToken}`);
    console.log(`  Explorer: ${network.blockExplorerUrl}`);
    console.log(`  RPC: ${network.rpcUrl}`);
  });

  // Get Solana networks
  const solanaNetworks = await monei.solana.getSupportedNetworks();
  console.log('Solana networks:', solanaNetworks);
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  from monei import MoneiClient

  monei = MoneiClient(
      api_key=os.getenv('MONEI_API_KEY')
  )

  # Get all supported EVM networks
  evm_networks = monei.evm.get_supported_networks()

  for network in evm_networks:
      print(f'{network.name} (Chain ID: {network.chain_id})')
      print(f'  Native: {network.native_token}')
      print(f'  Explorer: {network.block_explorer_url}')

  # Get Solana networks
  solana_networks = monei.solana.get_supported_networks()
  print(f'Solana networks: {solana_networks}')
  ```

  ```bash cURL theme={null}
  # Get EVM networks
  curl https://api.monei.cc/api/v1/evm/networks \
    -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"

  # Get Solana networks
  curl https://api.monei.cc/api/v1/solana/networks \
    -H "x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY"
  ```
</CodeGroup>

### Network-Specific Balances

<CodeGroup>
  ```javascript Node.js theme={null}
  // Get balance on specific EVM network
  const bscBalance = await monei.evm.getPortfolio(56); // BSC

  console.log('BSC Portfolio:');
  console.log('  Native BNB:', bscBalance.nativeToken.balance);
  console.log('  Total USD:', bscBalance.totalPortfolioValueUSD);

  // Get balance on Polygon
  const polygonBalance = await monei.evm.getPortfolio(137);

  // Compare across networks
  const networks = [56, 137, 8453]; // BSC, Polygon, Base
  for (const chainId of networks) {
    const portfolio = await monei.evm.getPortfolio(chainId);
    console.log(`${portfolio.networkName}: $${portfolio.totalPortfolioValueUSD}`);
  }
  ```

  ```python Python theme={null}
  # Get balance on specific network
  bsc_balance = monei.evm.get_portfolio(56)

  print('BSC Portfolio:')
  print(f'  Native BNB: {bsc_balance.native_token.balance}')
  print(f'  Total USD: ${bsc_balance.total_portfolio_value_usd}')

  # Compare across networks
  networks = [56, 137, 8453]
  for chain_id in networks:
      portfolio = monei.evm.get_portfolio(chain_id)
      print(f'{portfolio.network_name}: ${portfolio.total_portfolio_value_usd}')
  ```
</CodeGroup>

***

## Network Selection Guide

### Decision Matrix

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="dollar-sign" title="By Transaction Value">
    **Under \$10:**

    * Use: Polygon or Solana
    * Reason: Ultra-low fees preserve value

    **$10 - $100:**

    * Use: BSC or Base
    * Reason: Good balance of cost and speed

    **$100 - $1,000:**

    * Use: Arbitrum or Optimism
    * Reason: Ethereum security with reasonable fees

    **Over \$1,000:**

    * Use: Ethereum mainnet
    * Reason: Maximum security and liquidity
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="clock" title="By Speed Requirements">
    **Ultra-fast:**

    * Solana (0.4s blocks)
    * Arbitrum (0.25s blocks)

    **Fast (2-3s):**

    * BSC, Polygon, Base, Optimism

    **Standard (10-15s):**

    * Ethereum, Lisk

    **Note:** Finality time differs from block time
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="shield" title="By Security Needs">
    **Maximum Security:**

    * Ethereum mainnet
    * Arbitrum/Optimism (inherit Ethereum security)

    **High Security:**

    * BSC, Polygon
    * Scroll (ZK proofs)

    **Standard Security:**

    * Base, Lisk
    * Solana
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="code" title="By Ecosystem">
    **Ethereum DeFi:**

    * Ethereum, Arbitrum, Optimism, Scroll

    **Multi-chain DeFi:**

    * BSC, Polygon, Base

    **Coinbase Users:**

    * Base

    **High-frequency:**

    * Solana, BSC

    **JavaScript Devs:**

    * Lisk
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Network-Specific Considerations

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="EVM Networks">
    **Shared Characteristics:**

    * Same wallet address across all chains
    * Similar transaction structure
    * Compatible tooling (web3.js, ethers.js)
    * Gas paid in native token

    **Key Differences:**

    * Gas prices vary significantly
    * Block times differ
    * Finality times vary
    * Ecosystem/dApps differ
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Solana">
    **Unique Aspects:**

    * Different address format (base58)
    * Account model (not UTXO or account-based like EVM)
    * Rent system for account storage
    * Programs (not contracts)
    * Extremely fast finality

    **Important:**

    * Separate wallet from EVM
    * Different transaction structure
    * Requires SOL for rent
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Layer 2s">
    **Optimistic Rollups** (Arbitrum, Optimism, Base):

    * 7-day withdrawal period to L1
    * Fraud proof mechanism
    * Full EVM compatibility
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

***

## Best Practices

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Match Network to Use Case" icon="bullseye">
    Choose based on value, speed, and cost requirements - not just lowest fees
  </Card>

  <Card title="Verify Before Sending" icon="check-double">
    Always confirm the recipient address supports the network you're using
  </Card>

  <Card title="Monitor Gas Prices" icon="gas-pump">
    Check current gas prices before transactions, especially on Ethereum
  </Card>

  <Card title="Keep Native Tokens" icon="coins">
    Maintain small balance of native token (ETH, BNB, etc.) for gas fees
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion icon="circle-xmark" title="Wrong Network Selected">
    **Problem:** Sent tokens to correct address but wrong network

    **Prevention:**

    * Always verify network before sending
    * Use network-specific addresses when possible
    * Test with small amount first

    **Recovery:**

    * Contact support for assistance
    * May require bridge recovery
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="circle-xmark" title="Insufficient Gas">
    **Problem:** Transaction fails due to insufficient native token for gas

    **Solutions:**

    * Keep small balance of native token (0.01-0.1)
    * Use faucets for testnets
    * Bridge or buy native token
    * Estimate gas before transactions
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion icon="circle-xmark" title="Network Congestion">
    **Problem:** High gas fees or slow confirmations

    **Solutions:**

    * Wait for off-peak hours
    * Use alternative network
    * Increase gas price for faster confirmation
    * Monitor gas prices before sending
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Error Handling" icon="triangle-exclamation" href="/core-concepts/error-handling">
    Handle network-specific errors properly
  </Card>

  <Card title="EVM Operations" icon="ethereum" href="/evm-blockchain/wallet-operations">
    Deep dive into EVM network operations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Solana Operations" icon="s" href="/solana/wallet-operations">
    Learn Solana-specific operations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Token Swaps" icon="arrows-rotate" href="/evm-blockchain/token-swaps">
    Cross-network token swaps
  </Card>
</CardGroup>