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Mainnet
Mainnet is a blockchain's main public network, where transactions move coins with real value. It is the opposite of a testnet, which copies the network for testing with coins meant to be worthless.
What it means for you. Anything sent on mainnet costs real fees and cannot be undone, unlike practice transactions on a testnet. Layer 2 networks are separate chains too: tokens on a layer 2 are not on Ethereum mainnet until withdrawn, so check which network an exchange deposit address expects before sending.
Sources: ethereum.org: Networks, ethereum.org: Layer 2, EIP-155: Simple replay attack protection · checked 4 October 2026
Layer 2
A layer 2 is a separate blockchain that processes transactions off a base chain such as Ethereum, then posts the results back to it. Batching many transactions into one posting spreads the base-chain fee across users, so each transaction usually costs less.
What it means for you. Funds on a layer 2 are not on Ethereum mainnet: to move them back you withdraw through the network's bridge, which on optimistic rollups takes roughly seven days. ethereum.org notes that no layer 2 is as tested as Ethereum mainnet; check which network a wallet is set to before sending.
Sources: ethereum.org: Layer 2, ethereum.org: Optimistic rollups, ethereum.org: Sidechains · checked 4 October 2026