> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dot-alert.gitbook.io/dot.alert/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dot-alert.gitbook.io/dot.alert/content/5.regulations/networks.md).

# Networks

Network infrastructure and development in the Polkadot ecosystem.

The Polkadot ecosystem is made of various networks that:

* interact with the Polkadot and Kusama relay chains (i.e Shared security)
* interoperate via protocols (i.e XCMP/HRMP, bridges, smart contracts) 
* intersect functionalities (i.e DeFi, DID, Privacy, IoT, etc.)
* interchange data (i.e Coins, tokens, NFTs, on-chain identities, etc)

<figure><img src="https://2458985513-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FL6ALv1GyPrgErCsK1L2I%2Fuploads%2F2nqGZbb6Y0zSO0ol32G3%2FR_NBuild.JPG?alt=media&amp;token=f811b802-f958-4714-84f1-e9041a5c0984" alt="A poster explaining how Polkadot network supports the exchange of any type of data."><figcaption><p>Summary of the capabilities of <a href="https://polkadot.network/technology/">Polkadot network's technologies</a>.</p></figcaption></figure>

This novel architecture of the digital space represents opportunities for builders who [create its infrastructure](/dot.alert/content/5.regulations/networks/infrastructure.md), operators who [participate in its consensus](/dot.alert/content/5.regulations/networks/participation.md), and activists who [advocate for privacy-preservation](/dot.alert/content/5.regulations/networks/privacy.md).