Layer 3 is Revolutionizing How Users Interact with Web3 and Blockchain Technology

The blockchain ecosystem continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, and Layer 3 stands at the forefront of this transformation. As the digital landscape becomes increasingly complex, the need for intuitive platforms that bridge the gap between users and decentralized applications has never been more critical. Layer 3 emerges as a pioneering solution that fundamentally changes how individuals discover, engage with, and benefit from the vast world of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Understanding the Core Mission of Layer 3

Layer 3 represents a paradigm shift in user onboarding and engagement within the Web3 space. Unlike traditional approaches that often leave newcomers confused and overwhelmed, Layer 3 provides a structured pathway for users to explore blockchain ecosystems while earning rewards for their participation. The platform has successfully created an environment where learning and earning go hand in hand, making the intimidating world of cryptocurrency accessible to everyone regardless of their technical background.

The fundamental philosophy behind Layer 3 centers on the belief that user attention and engagement have inherent value. By recognizing and rewarding this value, Layer 3 creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem where protocols gain active users and participants receive compensation for their time and effort. This innovative approach has attracted millions of users worldwide who seek meaningful ways to participate in the decentralized economy.

How Layer 3 Works: The Quest System Explained

Interactive Learning Through Quests

At the heart of Layer 3 lies its sophisticated quest system. These quests serve as guided experiences that introduce users to various blockchain protocols, decentralized applications, and Web3 concepts. Each quest on Layer 3 is carefully designed to provide educational value while offering tangible rewards upon completion. Users navigate through different tasks, from simple social media engagements to complex on-chain interactions, all within the intuitive Layer 3 interface.

The quest architecture within Layer 3 accommodates users of all skill levels. Beginners can start with basic quests that teach fundamental concepts like wallet creation and token swapping, while advanced users can tackle more sophisticated challenges involving DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces, and cross-chain operations. This tiered approach ensures that Layer 3 remains relevant and engaging for its entire user base.

The Reward Mechanism

Layer 3 implements a comprehensive reward system that incentivizes continued participation. Users earn experience points, tokens, and exclusive NFTs by completing quests and maintaining activity on the platform. The Layer 3 reward structure is designed to recognize both quantity and quality of engagement, ensuring that dedicated participants receive appropriate recognition for their contributions.

Beyond immediate rewards, Layer 3 offers long-term incentives through its loyalty programs and seasonal campaigns. These initiatives encourage users to remain active within the Layer 3 ecosystem while exploring new protocols and opportunities. The platform regularly introduces limited-time events that provide exclusive rewards, creating a dynamic environment that keeps users engaged and motivated.

The Technology Powering Layer 3

Multi-Chain Integration

One of the most impressive aspects of Layer 3 is its seamless integration with multiple blockchain networks. The platform supports numerous chains including Ethereum, Polygon, Arbitrum, Optimism, Base, and many others. This multi-chain capability allows Layer 3 to serve as a universal gateway to the broader blockchain ecosystem, eliminating the need for users to navigate multiple platforms and interfaces.

The technical infrastructure of Layer 3 enables real-time verification of on-chain activities across different networks. When users complete tasks on various protocols, Layer 3 automatically detects and validates these actions, ensuring accurate reward distribution. This sophisticated backend technology operates invisibly, providing users with a smooth and frustration-free experience.

Identity and Reputation Systems

Layer 3 has developed innovative identity solutions that help users build verifiable on-chain reputations. Through consistent participation and quest completion, users accumulate credentials that demonstrate their experience and expertise. These Layer 3 credentials can potentially unlock exclusive opportunities, including early access to new protocols, enhanced reward tiers, and participation in governance activities.

The reputation system within Layer 3 addresses a critical challenge in the pseudonymous world of blockchain. By providing a framework for users to prove their engagement history without compromising privacy, Layer 3 creates valuable identity primitives that benefit both users and protocols seeking qualified participants.

Benefits for Protocols and Projects

User Acquisition and Onboarding

Layer 3 provides immense value to blockchain protocols seeking to grow their user bases. Traditional marketing approaches often fail to deliver qualified users who genuinely understand and appreciate the products being promoted. Layer 3 solves this problem by delivering educated, engaged users who have already demonstrated interest and competence through quest completion.

Protocols partnering with Layer 3 gain access to a vast network of crypto-native users actively seeking new opportunities. The platform's quest system ensures that these users receive proper onboarding, reducing support burden and improving retention rates. Many successful projects have leveraged Layer 3 to bootstrap their communities and achieve critical mass during launch phases.

Data and Analytics

Beyond user acquisition, Layer 3 offers protocols valuable insights into user behavior and preferences. The platform's analytics capabilities help projects understand how users interact with their products, identify friction points, and optimize their offerings. This data-driven approach enables continuous improvement and helps protocols make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies.

The Layer 3 User Experience

Intuitive Interface Design

Layer 3 prioritizes user experience above all else. The platform features a clean, intuitive interface that makes navigation effortless even for complete beginners. Quest discovery, progress tracking, and reward claiming all occur within a unified dashboard that presents information clearly and accessibly. The design philosophy of Layer 3 reflects a deep understanding of user needs and pain points in the Web3 space.

Mobile optimization ensures that Layer 3 users can participate in quests regardless of their preferred device. The responsive design adapts seamlessly to different screen sizes, maintaining functionality and aesthetics across platforms. This accessibility has contributed significantly to the widespread adoption of Layer 3 among diverse user demographics.

Community and Social Features

Layer 3 recognizes the importance of community in the blockchain ecosystem. The platform incorporates social features that allow users to connect, compete, and collaborate. Leaderboards showcase top performers, creating healthy competition that motivates continued engagement. Community events and challenges bring users together around shared goals, fostering a sense of belonging within the Layer 3 ecosystem.

The social dynamics within Layer 3 extend beyond the platform itself. Active communities have formed on various social media channels where users share strategies, discuss new quests, and help newcomers navigate the platform. These organic communities amplify the reach and impact of Layer 3, creating network effects that benefit all participants.

Security and Trust on Layer 3

Security remains paramount in any blockchain-related platform, and Layer 3 takes this responsibility seriously. The platform implements robust security measures to protect user assets and data. Smart contract audits, secure authentication mechanisms, and careful vetting of partner protocols all contribute to a safe environment for users to explore and earn.

Layer 3 maintains transparency about its operations and partnerships. Users can verify the legitimacy of quests and rewards, building trust through openness. This commitment to transparency distinguishes Layer 3 from less reputable platforms that may expose users to unnecessary risks.

The Future of Layer 3

Expansion and Innovation

The roadmap for Layer 3 includes ambitious plans for expansion and innovation. The platform continues to integrate new blockchain networks, expanding the range of opportunities available to users. Upcoming features promise to enhance the quest experience, introduce new reward mechanisms, and deepen integration with the broader Web3 ecosystem.

Layer 3 is actively developing advanced tools for identity verification, credential issuance, and reputation management. These innovations position Layer 3 as more than just a quest platform, transforming it into essential infrastructure for the decentralized internet. The vision extends to creating a comprehensive ecosystem where users can build entire careers and reputations within Web3.

Ecosystem Growth

As Layer 3 grows, so does its influence on the broader blockchain landscape. The platform has become a significant driver of user adoption for emerging protocols and established projects alike. This position of influence carries responsibility, and Layer 3 demonstrates commitment to supporting sustainable ecosystem growth through thoughtful partnership selection and user education.

The continued success of Layer 3 depends on maintaining the delicate balance between user interests and protocol needs. By consistently delivering value to both sides of the marketplace, Layer 3 has established itself as an indispensable component of the Web3 infrastructure. The platform's trajectory suggests even greater impact in the years ahead as blockchain technology continues its march toward mainstream adoption.

Conclusion

Layer 3 represents a fundamental innovation in how users discover and engage with blockchain technology. Through its sophisticated quest system, comprehensive reward mechanisms, and commitment to user experience, Layer 3 has created an environment where anyone can participate meaningfully in the decentralized economy. As the platform continues to evolve and expand, Layer 3 stands poised to play an increasingly central role in shaping the future of Web3 adoption and user engagement.

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  1. SoftEther VPN Project
  2. Documents
  3. SoftEther VPN Manual
  4. 3. SoftEther VPN Server Manual
  5. 3.8 Virtual Layer 3 Switches

3.8 Virtual Layer 3 Switches

The virtual layer 3 switch function adds a virtual router which can perform IP routing between multiple Virtual Hubs on the VPN Server, and enables the realization of a layer 3 connection between Virtual Hub segments by carrying out IP routing in accordance with routing rules defined by the Administrator.

3.8.1 What is a Virtual Layer 3 Switch?

Virtual Layer 3 Switch Overview

As described in 3.4 Virtual Hub Functions , the Virtual Hub is an object virtually realizing a physical layer 2 switch (switching hub) using software, and a plurality of Virtual Hubs can be created in the VPN Server. The Virtual Hub only supports the exchange of Ethernet frames on layer 2, and does not support layer 3 routing.

The virtual layer 3 switch was developed and implemented in response to requests to carry out IP routing between layer 2 segments in multiple Virtual Hubs. The virtual layer 3 switch implements as software the functions of communication devices commonly found in the office such as routers and layer 3 switches. The exchange of IP packets between each network is supported by creating multiple Virtual Hubs, separating the layer 2 segments and IP routing between those layer 2 segments.

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IP Routing between IP Networks with Virtual Layer 3 Switching.

The virtual layer 3 switch is a function intended for those with an intricate knowledge of networks and IP routing and Network Administrators. Virtual layer 3 switching is not required when using the normal VPN functions. When using the virtual layer 3 switch, sufficient consideration should be given to the impact upon the network, based upon a sound knowledge of IP routing. This explanations contained within this manual assume that the reader possesses such knowledge.

Virtual Layer 3 Switch Authority

Just as only Administrators of the entire VPN Server can create Virtual Hubs, so does the authority for creating, deleting and setting of virtual layer 3 switch lies solely with said Administrators. Although Virtual Hub Administrators can find out how their own Virtual Hub is connected to the virtual layer 3 switch, they cannot operate or edit the connection of an existing layer 3 switch nor manipulate the routing table. VPN Server Administrators are therefore required to perform settings when using the virtual layer 3 switch function.

3.8.2 Difference between Bridging & IP Routing

Layer 2 network-connecting bridges and cascade connections between Virtual Hubs are mechanisms which connect two separate network segments onto a single network segment. When using TCP/IP protocol within one of the segments, the computers within that segment must, in principle, belong to the same IP network (while it is possible to multiplex a plurality of IP networks on the same segment and make them communicate, computers connected to that network can only communicate directly with those belonging to the same IP network).

In comparison, IP routing is a mechanism which carries out packet exchange on an IP layer between two separate network segments. Please refer to documents on router operation and IP routing for details.

The physical router and layer 3 switch have one IP address for each network segment subject to routing, and forward the IP packet attempting to communicate via that IP address to other suitable interfaces using the routing table held internally by the router.

The VPN Server-definable virtual layer 3 switch operates by the same mechanism. Placing the virtual layer 3 switch between Virtual Hubs on the VPN Server enables IP routing between the Virtual Hubs to which it is connected. In this case, the virtual layer 3 switch has one interface each for segments on both sides. For example, two IP networks 192.168.1.0/24 and 192.168.2.0/24 exist and routing is carried out between them using the virtual layer 3 switch, then an interface is connected to both networks and two IP addresses 192.168.1.254 and 192.168.2.254, for instance, are assigned. When the computer belonging to 192.168.1.0/24 wants to transmit an IP packet to network 192.168.2.0/24, it is possible to send said packet using 192.168.1.254 as a gateway. The router with two interfaces for 192.168.1.254 and 192.168.2.254 then sends this packet to network 192.168.2.0/24. IP routing works by such a mechanism. The theoretical interface on the VPN Server by which the virtual layer 3 switch connects to the Virtual Hub is called the "virtual interface". The connection between the virtual layer 3 switch and the Virtual Hub is actually carried out in the software's internal memory and is not one which can be seen by users. However, a special virtual session known as a virtual layer 3 session is registered on the Virtual Hub to which the virtual layer 3 switch's virtual layer interface is connected.

3.8.3 Defining Virtual Layer 3 Switches

The VPN Server does not have any virtual layer 3 switches in default. Virtual layer 3 switches can be created at any time they are required by the VPN Server Administrator and in any amount.

All virtual layer 3 switches can be named and identified by said name. Alphanumeric characters and some symbols can be used in the name. To define a new virtual layer 3 switch, first select a name. Note that once a virtual layer 3 switch is created, its name cannot be changed.

To carry out settings relating to the virtual layer 3 switch, click the [Layer 3 Switch Setting] button in the VPN Server Manager and display the [Virtual Layer 3 Switch Setting] dialog box. When a virtual layer 3 switch is already registered here, double clicking on it opens up its settings window (all explanations on how to use the virtual layer 3 switch contained herein commence from this window). In the vpncmd utility, use commands starting with "Router" command.

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Virtual layer 3 switch setting window.

To create a new virtual layer 3 switch, click the [Create] button and designate its name. A virtual interface must also be defined and the [Start] button clicked before the newly-created virtual layer 3 switch begins running.

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Create virtual layer 3 switch window.

3.8.4 Adding Virtual Interfaces to connect to Virtual Hubs

Simply creating a virtual layer 3 switch serves no purpose, and is comparable to buying a physical router and layer 3 switch and simply leaving them on the shelf. In the same manner as physically connecting a router to the networks of each connection destination with a network cable, it is necessary to register virtual interfaces on the virtual layer 3 switch for the Virtual Hubs of destinations to be connected.

To register a new virtual interface, click the [Add Virtual Interface] button. Once the [Add Virtual Interface] dialog box appears, select the destination Virtual Hub. Also designate the subnet space belonging to the IP address held by that interface within the Virtual Hub.

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Add virtual interface window.

Multiple virtual interfaces can be created on a virtual layer 3 switch. Normally two or more virtual interfaces are added (only one serves almost no purpose). Register all of the Virtual Hubs to be subject to routing by the virtual layer 3 switch.

The only Virtual Hubs which can be directly connected to the virtual layer 3 switch are those running on the same VPN Server. When wishing to use layer 3 switching to IP route between a VPN Server on a separate computer or a Virtual Hub running on a VPN Bridge, first create a suitably-named Virtual Hub on the local side and connect it with virtual layer 3 switching, then cascade that Virtual Hub with said VPN Server on a separate computer or said Virtual Hub running on a VPN Bridge.

This method enables the connection of remote site Virtual Hubs or physical LANs by virtual layer 3 switching as well as the creation of site-to-site VPN skillfully incorporating an IP routing mechanism.

Previously, performing a similar connection required not only a VPN but also involved the purchase of hardware for IP routing. The SoftEther VPN facilitates simple implementation even for networks of sophisticated design by bringing together as software the functions required to connect remote locations to the VPN with IP routing.

3.8.5 Editing the Routing Table

The virtual layer 3 switch has a routing table similar to that of common physical routers and layer 3 switches. Even without designating anything, if a virtual layer 3 switch has a virtual interface connected to a Virtual Hub, then it has the route information to the IP network determined by the IP address and subnet mask set for that virtual interface. Accordingly, it is not necessary to define a routing table for the layer 2 segment directly connected to the virtual layer 3 switch.

When it is necessary to carry out IP routing via the directly-connected layer 2 segment to an IP network in a segment further ahead, then it is necessary to edit the values of the virtual layer 3 switch's routing table and add suitable routing entries.

The current routing able can be displayed using the [Edit Virtual Layer 3 Switch] dialog box. This table is empty immediately after the creation of a new virtual layer 3 switch. To make new entries in the routing table, click the [Routing Table Entry] button.

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Add routing table entry window.

The [Add Routing Table Entry] window has boxes to enter the details of new routing table entries for registration. The information which needs to be registered here is similar to that designated when adding an entry to the static routing table of a typical router or layer 3 switch. Specific examples of entries are shown below.

  • Network Address
    Designates the network address including the destination IP address subject to routing using this routing table.
  • Subnet Mask
    Designates the network mask together with the network address.
  • Gateway Address
    Designates the IP address of the IP packet forwarding destination (i.e. the IP address of the next router). The IP addresses which can be designated here must be included in either those IP addresses defined by each virtual interface of this virtual layer 3 switch or among the IP network defined by the subnet mask (note that even those not included are still registered without an error or notification appearing). If another virtual layer 3 switch is connected to an adjacent Virtual Hub, then it may also be the IP address of that virtual layer 3 switch's virtual network interface.
  • Metric Value
    Designates the metric value of the routing table entry.
When designating the default route, set the network address as 0.0.0.0 and the subnet mask as 0.0.0.0.

3.8.6 Starting and Stopping Virtual Layer 3 Switches

Start and Stop

Operation can be started for virtual layer 3 switches with one or more registered virtual network interfaces by clicking on the [Start] button. It is also possible to terminate a virtual layer 3 switch during operation at any time by clicking on the [Stop] button.

Note that it is not possible to edit the virtual layer 3 switch's virtual interface list or Routing Table in any mode other than [Terminated]. Therefore, terminate the virtual layer 3 switch to edit these parameters.

Virtual Layer 3 Switch Status

The virtual layer 3 switch has the following three modes and each is displayed in real time in the [Virtual Layer 3 Switch Setting] window.

Status Description
Stop Virtual layer 3 switch is stopped. This is the only state in which the virtual layer 3 parameters can be set.
Started (operating) Indicates that the virtual layer 3 switch is running, and that it is functioning because all Virtual Hubs connected to all defined virtual interfaces exist on the VPN Server and are online. This is the only state in which the virtual layer 3 switch can perform IP routing. Also, if even one of the Virtual Hubs connected to the defined virtual interfaces in this mode is deleted from the VPN Server or goes [Offline], then a transition to [Start (error)] mode occurs automatically.
Started (error) Although the virtual layer 3 switch may be set to Started status, when one or more of the Virtual Hubs connected to the defined virtual interfaces does not exist on the VPN Server or is offline then the virtual layer 3 switch cannot commence IP routing. Also, if all of Virtual Hubs connected to the defined virtual interfaces exist on the VPN Server or come online in this mode, then a transition to [Start (operating)] mode occurs automatically.

3.8.7 Limitations

The virtual layer 3 switch function has the following limitations.

  • It does not support dynamic routing protocols.
  • It does not support IGMP.
  • Sending an ICMP Echo request to the virtual layer 3 switch's virtual interface exceeding 1,472 bytes returns a 1,472 byte ICMP Echo response.