# How Layer 1 and Layer 2 Solutions Create a Faster and More Resilient Blockchain Previous blog posts delved into the [foundational research](https://www.essentialcardano.io/article/cardanos-foundational-research-overview) that enabled Cardano’s multi-functional ledger support for [expressive smart contracts](https://www.essentialcardano.io/article/overview-of-the-research-enabling-smart-contract-support-on-cardano) and [native assets](https://www.essentialcardano.io/article/research-overview-part-3-tokens-stablecoins-and-fees). As part of the Basho development phase, Cardano is undergoing steady upgrades and optimizations for increased scalability and interoperability. The ‘[How we are scaling Cardano in 2022](https://iohk.io/en/blog/posts/2022/01/14/how-we-re-scaling-cardano-in-2022/)’ post reflected on Cardano’s scalability goals, and also discussed [interoperability and the role of sidechains](https://iog.io/en/blog/posts/2022/04/28/interoperability-is-key-to-blockchain-growth/). This new post takes a closer look at the research that will enable these gradual enhancements. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://cardano-wiki.gitbook.io/cardano/scalability/scalability-contents/taking-a-closer-look-at-iog-research/how-layer-1-and-layer-2-solutions-create-a-faster-and-more-resilient-blockchain.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.