by @TZMCrypto - data provided by [Flipsidecrypto](<https://www.flipsidecrypto.com/>)
Polygon Network (formerly known as Matic Network) is a prime example of the concept of sidechains. It's a blockchain that has its own [consensus mechanism](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/consensus-mechanism-cryptocurrency.asp#:~:text=A consensus mechanism is a,systems%2C such as with cryptocurrencies.) but it is strictly linked to a mainchain, in this case, Ethereum.
This structure makes it possible to benefit from all the best features of a well-established chain while being able to create a solid system around it to correct or improve areas that might be lacking.
Polygon's main goal is to offer a framework to build blockchains that are highly scalable and allow interoperability instead of being walled off from each other.
Polygon is truly flexible and has scalability at its core. To put this into perspective, the following chart shows the total transactions that get executed per block on Ethereum in the last 2,500 blocks. Bear in mind, in 2021 the Ethereum blockchain has been operating at >98% when it comes to network utilization. The number physically cannot get much higher even after the EIP-1559 upgrade.
Total Transactions per block on Ethereum - Last 2.5k blocks
Total Transactions per block on Ethereum - Last 2.5k blocks
If we look at the same data but on Polygon, we can see how, even with traffic volumes that are significantly lower than Ethereum, thousands of transactions are being executed each block smoothly. On paper, Polygon can sustain 65,536 basic transactions per block.
Total Transactions per block on Polygon - Last 2.5k blocks
Total Transactions per block on Polygon - Last 2.5k blocks
Polygon is a low-energy Proof of Stake blockchain that uses staking to secure the network. MATIC is the native token that is used, among other things, to achieve this. MATIC holders are incentivized to lock their tokens through staking rewards that are distributed each block pro-rata.
Saying Polygon has boomed in the past few months is an understatement. Not only it experienced the launch of a variety of new protocols, but it is also sitting at 4th place for TVL among all blockchains: