What is an Avalanche L1? Networks and the Subnet connection

An Avalanche L1 is a blockchain in the Avalanche ecosystem that can define its own validator set and execution rules. It can customize its gas token and validator admission requirements. P-Chain tracks L1 validator records, whose operators pay a continuous AVAX-denominated fee to keep them active.

Is it the same as a Subnet?

Under the older Subnet model, a validator also had to validate the Primary Network. ACP-77, activated with Etna, removed that shared obligation for L1 validators. Treating a Subnet that still uses the older model as identical to a sovereign L1 can produce incorrect assumptions about AVAX staking and fees.

Example

Suppose a gaming network uses its own gas token and maintains five active L1 validator records. A player's actions need not consume AVAX, but the five records still incur P-Chain validation fees in AVAX. Doubling the game's transaction count does not automatically double those fees if the number of records and the fee rate remain unchanged.

Assess the L1's own validators, administrative powers and application rules. A network using Proof of Stake does not have the same admission model as one using an approved list of validators.