Subnet
Also known as: Custom Chain, Avalanche Subnet, Independent Blockchain
A custom blockchain network within a larger ecosystem, offering scalability and application-specific configurations.
A subnet is an independent blockchain or network within a larger Layer 1 platform, like Avalanche. Each subnet can have its own consensus rules, virtual machines, validators, and application-specific configurations. Subnets enable horizontal scalability, custom governance, and resource isolation, making them ideal for enterprise blockchains, gaming, and compliant DeFi. Avalanche pioneered the subnet architecture to allow developers to deploy multiple chains tailored to their use cases, all interoperable through the main network. Subnets contribute to modular blockchain design and ecosystem scalability.