Polkadot is a blockchain infrastructure that is at the initial stage of development. Perhaps there is no other network positioning itself as a competitor to Ethereum, whose projects are under such close attention of venture investors. All the major projects that announced their appearance on the Polkadot network received large sums from venture investors and received increased attention from the crypto community. In the near future, blockchain auctions should begin, which means it's time to get acquainted with not only the concept of “blockchain” itself, but also to study the developers' idea.
In a nutshell, the main idea is to create a multi-blockchain ecosystem: to combine blockchains into a single scalable network. Relay chain is the main, central blockchain of the zero-level ecosystem, to which parachains are connected - blockchains of 1-2 levels. Relay's task is to ensure the security of the network and coordinate its work. While all activity takes place on parachains — independent blockchains with their own design, tokenomics, functionality and management. There is a division of responsibilities: one blockchain can be responsible for security, the second for data storage, the third for financial infrastructure, and so on. The parachains work in parallel, which allows to increase throughput, and can "communicate” with each other.
Any blockchain, for example, Ethereum, can become a blockchain, but for this it is necessary to win an auction for the right slot for a year or two. Acala Network - the future DeFi hub of the network, has already announced its imminent participation in the auction. As part of this event, a crowdloan is organized - a collection of money that will be used as collateral to secure its place in the network. Anyone can lend to a project they like and not only receive native tokens as a reward, but also return the DOT (after the end of the slot lease), which were transferred to the developers.