# Primary Network (/docs/primary-network)

import { Network, Layers, Terminal, ArrowRight, Database, Package } from 'lucide-react';

Avalanche is a heterogeneous network of blockchains. As opposed to homogeneous networks, where all applications reside in the same chain, heterogeneous networks allow separate chains to be created for different applications.

![Primary Network Architecture](https://qizat5l3bwvomkny.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/builders-hub/course-images/multi-chain-architecture/multi-chain.png)

The Primary Network is a special [Avalanche L1](/docs/avalanche-l1s) that runs three blockchains:

- The Contract Chain [(C-Chain)](/docs/primary-network#c-chain-contract-chain)
- The Platform Chain [(P-Chain)](/docs/primary-network#p-chain-platform-chain)
- The Exchange Chain [(X-Chain)](/docs/primary-network#x-chain-exchange-chain)

<Callout title="Note">
Avalanche Mainnet is comprised of the Primary Network and all deployed Avalanche L1s.
</Callout>

A node can become a validator for the Primary Network by staking at least **2,000 AVAX**.

### C-Chain (Contract Chain)

The **C-Chain** is an implementation of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The [C-Chain's API](/docs/rpcs/c-chain) supports Geth's API and supports the deployment and execution of smart contracts written in Solidity.

Since the Helicon upgrade (Mainnet September 22, 2026), the C-Chain runs the [Continuous Execution VM](https://github.com/ava-labs/avalanchego/tree/master/vms/evm/imp/cchain). [Coreth](https://github.com/ava-labs/coreth) executed the blocks from before Helicon.

| Property | Mainnet | Fuji Testnet |
|----------|---------|--------------|
| **Network Name** | Avalanche C-Chain | Avalanche Fuji C-Chain |
| **Chain ID** | 43114 (0xA86A) | 43113 (0xA869) |
| **Currency** | AVAX | AVAX |
| **RPC URL** | https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/C/rpc | https://api.avax-test.network/ext/bc/C/rpc |
| **Explorer** | https://explorer.avax.network/c-chain | https://explorer-test.avax.network/c-chain |
| **Faucet** | - | [Get Test AVAX](/console/primary-network/faucet) |
| **Add to Wallet** | <AddNetworkButtonInline network="mainnet" /> | <AddNetworkButtonInline network="fuji" /> |

### P-Chain (Platform Chain)

The **P-Chain** is responsible for all validator and Avalanche L1-level operations. The [P-Chain API](/docs/rpcs/p-chain) supports the creation of new blockchains and Avalanche L1s, the addition of validators to Avalanche L1s, staking operations, and other platform-level operations.

The P-Chain is an instance of the [Platform Virtual Machine](https://github.com/ava-labs/avalanchego/tree/master/vms/platformvm).

| Property | Mainnet | Fuji Testnet |
|----------|---------|--------------|
| **RPC URL** | https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/P | https://api.avax-test.network/ext/bc/P |
| **Currency** | AVAX | AVAX |
| **Explorer** | https://explorer.avax.network/p-chain | https://explorer-test.avax.network/p-chain |

### X-Chain (Exchange Chain)

The **X-Chain** is responsible for operations on digital smart assets known as **Avalanche Native Tokens**. A smart asset is a representation of a real-world resource (for example, equity, or a bond) with sets of rules that govern its behavior, like "can't be traded until tomorrow." The [X-Chain API](/docs/rpcs/x-chain) supports the creation and trade of Avalanche Native Tokens.

One asset traded on the X-Chain is AVAX. When you issue a transaction to a blockchain on Avalanche, you pay a fee denominated in AVAX.

The X-Chain is an instance of the Avalanche Virtual Machine (AVM).

| Property | Mainnet | Fuji Testnet |
|----------|---------|--------------|
| **RPC URL** | https://api.avax.network/ext/bc/X | https://api.avax-test.network/ext/bc/X |
| **Currency** | AVAX | AVAX |
| **Explorer** | https://explorer.avax.network/x-chain | https://explorer-test.avax.network/x-chain |

## Explore More

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  <a
    href="/docs/avalanche-l1s"
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        <h3 className="text-lg font-semibold mb-2 text-zinc-900 dark:text-zinc-100">
          Avalanche L1s
        </h3>
        <span className="text-sm text-zinc-600 dark:text-zinc-400 leading-relaxed block">
          Discover how to build sovereign networks with custom rules and token economics.
        </span>
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    </div>
  </a>

 <a
    href="/docs/api-reference/data-api"
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          Data APIs
        </h3>
        <span className="text-sm text-zinc-600 dark:text-zinc-400 leading-relaxed block">
          Access data APIs for the C-Chain, P-Chain, and X-Chain.
        </span>
      </div>
      <div className="mt-4 flex justify-end">
        <ArrowRight className="w-4 h-4 text-zinc-400 group-hover:text-zinc-600 dark:group-hover:text-zinc-300 transition-colors" />
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    </div>
  </a>
  <a
    href="/console"
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  >
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          Console
        </h3>
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          Access developer tools, deploy contracts, and manage your blockchain infrastructure.
        </span>
      </div>
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