# Understanding the Network

Chrono Network is a network of blockchains designed to efficiently handle high loads while maintaining low fees for users. This overview provides essential insights into how Chrono Network operates from a user's perspective.

**Addresses:** \
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In Chrono Network, each address is associated with one of the zone chains. The initial byte of each address identifies the blockchain that can modify or change the account's state. Details on interpreting these data bytes can be found in the Sharding page of the documentation.

From a user standpoint, having at least one Chrono Network address on each blockchain is necessary for interaction. For instance, if a user aims to hold NFTs on zone 1, purchase NFTs on zone 2, and store Chrono Network tokens on zone 3, three accounts are required. Wallets supporting Chrono Network typically offer the option to choose the zone in which a new account "lives."

**Internal & External Transactions:** \
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Sending a transaction to an address within the same zone as the originating address triggers an "internal transaction." These transactions modify the state of a single zone without impacting other zones, making them the fastest type of transaction within Chrono Network. In contrast, sending a transaction to an address in a different zone results in an "external transaction," which modifies the state of multiple zones. External transactions are slower, requiring global consensus across affected zones. The settlement time of external transactions is the primary tradeoff in Chrono Network as more chains are added.

**Gas:** \
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Gas is a crucial element in any blockchain using the EVM or a decentralized state machine, allocating computational resources in an open market. Different EVM operations have varying gas costs. In Chrono Network, each chain has its own gas market. If a chain experiences increased demand, its gas price rises independently of other chains, incentivizing users to distribute activity across the network to chains with lower gas costs. This approach allows for flexibility in managing gas prices within each chain of Chrono Network.


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