Infrastructure Platform: Blockchain infrastructure projects shaping the future of DeFi and Web3

Crypto infrastructure has become a hot topic in the blockchain world because it is the foundational layer on which the entire DeFi and Web3 ecosystems are built. If blockchain is compared to a modern city, infrastructure is the roads, electricity, water, and telecommunications—essential basic facilities.

Infrastructure Crypto: The Core Foundation of the Blockchain Revolution

Infrastructure crypto refers to the underlying layer of blockchain technology, including protocols, networks, and tools supporting the development of decentralized applications (dApps). Essentially, infrastructure is the “operating system” of the cryptocurrency world, creating an environment for blockchain applications to operate efficiently.

Infrastructure projects typically focus on solving core blockchain issues:

• Scalability: Increasing network transaction processing speed to meet growing demand.
• Security: Providing solutions to protect assets and user data.
• Interoperability: Connecting different blockchains to enable seamless value transfer.
• Decentralized Storage: Offering secure and sustainable data storage solutions.

Strategic Role of Infrastructure in the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem

Infrastructure serves as the backbone for driving the explosion of the entire blockchain ecosystem. First, infrastructure tokens allow projects to raise funds from the community to develop platforms and services. Second, token holders can participate in governance and decision-making. Third, tokens are used to pay transaction fees, access services, or earn rewards. Finally, tokens help build a community of users and developers around the project.

Types of Infrastructure: From Layer-1 to Specialized Solutions

Crypto infrastructure can be categorized by main functions:

Layer-1 Blockchains: Base blockchains providing foundational infrastructure for other applications built on top. Ethereum, Solana, and Polkadot are typical examples.

Layer-2 Scaling Solutions: Layer-2 solutions that enhance transaction speed and reduce fees, with Polygon, Arbitrum, and Optimism leading the way.

Cross-chain Interoperability: Protocols enabling different blockchains to connect and interact, such as Cosmos, Polkadot, and Chainlink.

Decentralized Storage: Platforms for decentralized data storage, including Filecoin and Arweave.

Decentralized Oracles: Services providing real-world data to smart contracts, with Chainlink being the largest provider.

Development Trends of Infrastructure in 2025-2026

The crypto infrastructure market is experiencing significant changes. Layer-2 solutions are rapidly evolving to address layer-1 scalability issues. Cross-chain protocols are gaining major attention, facilitating blockchain connectivity. Security remains a top priority in development. Meanwhile, infrastructure projects are playing a crucial role in building Web3—the decentralized internet of the future.

Top 12 Prominent Infrastructure Projects: Latest Market Data

Below is a list of the top 12 infrastructure projects ranked by market capitalization and ecosystem impact, with actual price data as of 02/26/2026:

Layer-1 Blockchain Group

1. Ethereum (ETH)

The second-largest blockchain platform worldwide, supporting thousands of DeFi and NFT applications. Ethereum’s DeFi ecosystem remains the largest in the market.

• Current Price: $2,030
• 24h Change: -2.63%
• 24h Trading Volume: $474.09 million
• Market Cap: $244.58 billion
• Assessment: A vital blockchain platform with enormous long-term growth potential.

2. Solana (SOL)

High-performance blockchain known for fast transactions and low fees. Solana attracts many developers and new projects.

• Current Price: $85.97
• 24h Change: -3.56%
• 24h Trading Volume: $62.48 million
• Market Cap: $48.90 billion
• Assessment: Rapidly growing blockchain with broad application potential in DeFi and NFTs.

3. Polkadot (DOT)

Multi-chain blockchain network with high connectivity, enabling different blockchains to communicate.

• Current Price: $1.58
• 24h Change: -6.04%
• 24h Trading Volume: $3.49 million
• Market Cap: $2.64 billion
• Assessment: A promising project building the “Internet of Blockchains.”

4. Cosmos (ATOM)

Blockchain network allowing independent chains to connect and communicate. Focused on building an interoperable multi-chain platform.

• Current Price: $1.87
• 24h Change: -4.88%
• 24h Trading Volume: $855.30K
• Market Cap: $927.77 million
• Assessment: A potential project aiming to connect the entire blockchain ecosystem.

Oracle and Data Service Group

5. Chainlink (LINK)

Decentralized oracle platform providing real-world data to smart contracts. Widely used in DeFi to connect blockchains with external data.

• Current Price: $9.10
• 24h Change: -3.38%
• 24h Trading Volume: $5.60 million
• Market Cap: $6.45 billion
• Assessment: A key project linking blockchain with real-world information.

10. The Graph (GRT)

Data indexing protocol for blockchain, enabling developers to query blockchain data easily via APIs.

• Current Price: $0.03
• 24h Change: -5.73%
• 24h Trading Volume: $42.57K
• Market Cap: $285.56 million
• Assessment: An important project for accessing and utilizing blockchain data in applications.

Layer-2 Scaling Solutions Group

7. Polygon (MATIC)

Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, boosting transaction speed and reducing gas fees. Fully compatible with Ethereum and supporting hundreds of DeFi apps.

• Assessment: The most popular layer-2 scaling solution today with excellent performance.

8. Arbitrum (ARB)

Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum using advanced Optimistic Rollup technology, significantly lowering transaction fees.

• Current Price: $0.10
• 24h Change: -3.07%
• 24h Trading Volume: $1.56 million
• Market Cap: $584.43 million
• Assessment: A promising layer-2 scaling solution with advanced tech and an active developer community.

9. Optimism (OP)

Layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum also using Optimistic Rollup, known for fast transaction confirmation speeds.

• Current Price: $0.12
• 24h Change: -6.43%
• 24h Trading Volume: $2.02 million
• Market Cap: $252.45 million
• Assessment: A promising layer-2 solution with a strong developer base and diverse ecosystem.

Decentralized Storage Group

6. Filecoin (FIL)

Decentralized, secure, and efficient data storage platform. Provides an alternative storage solution to traditional centralized systems.

• Current Price: $1.02
• 24h Change: -6.57%
• 24h Trading Volume: $4.25 million
• Market Cap: $772.07 million
• Assessment: A promising project in decentralized data storage.

11. Arweave (AR)

Platform for permanent, decentralized data storage, allowing data to be stored forever with a one-time fee.

• Current Price: $1.64
• 24h Change: -10.24%
• 24h Trading Volume: $605.19K
• Market Cap: $107.28 million
• Assessment: Unique storage solution with long-term data preservation capabilities.

Specialized Application Group

12. Livepeer (LPT)

Decentralized video streaming platform offering an alternative to centralized streaming services. Reduces streaming costs and increases transparency.

• Current Price: $2.35
• 24h Change: -4.31%
• 24h Trading Volume: $118.76K
• Market Cap: $116.67 million
• Assessment: A promising project in decentralized video streaming.

Future Outlook for Infrastructure Crypto

Infrastructure plays an irreplaceable foundational role in the development of the entire blockchain ecosystem. With the continuous boom of DeFi, NFTs, and Web3, infrastructure projects will remain strategically important, shaping the future of decentralized finance and the decentralized internet. Investors and developers should pay close attention to these infrastructure projects, as they are the backbone of all future blockchain applications.