> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://monobridge.gitbook.io/monobridge/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://monobridge.gitbook.io/monobridge/ecosystems-and-dapps/1.1-multi-chain-application-environments/1.1.1-characteristics.md).

# 1.1.1 Characteristics

The current multi-chain application environments and multi-chain ecosystems have the following characteristics:

1. A multi-chain application environment consists of multiple EVM-compatible chains.
2. A multi-chain ecosystem focuses on the cross-chain interaction at the digital assets level, and mainly involves Defi applications.

Defi is an important driver that prompts the rapid development of Dapps. As the platform where Defi applications emerged in the first place, Ethereum has attracted a huge number of developers and users of Defi applications. These Defi applications, developers and users together have formed the Defi application ecosystem on Ethereum.

Nevertheless, the development of Defi applications is constrained by the limited capacity of Ethereum and high transaction fees. Both EVM-compatible chains built to divert traffic from the Defi market, and Ethereum L2 networks built to address the problems of limited capacity and high transaction fees are supportive of the EVM and Ethereum account system, and compatible with MetaMask wallets. Defi applications on Ethereum can be quickly deployed and run on these chains or Layer 2 networks without modifying the code. Hence the formation a multi-chain application environment compatible with EVM.

The emergence of Defi applications with digital assets swap, lending and other functions has generated a demand for cross-chain interaction of digital assets. As a result, assets cross-chain protocols and cross-chain infrastructure built on the basis of such protocols come into being, e.g. Mono Bridge's cross - chain PTC and routers. The cross-chain bridge meets the cross-chain needs of digital assets, enabling Defi applications, which deployed and run on a single blockchain, complete the swap to off-chain crypto assets. Hence the emergence of Defi applications deployed on multiple chains

However, Defi applications with digital asset swap as its main function is just one of the many Dapp types. The existing infrastructures such as cross-chain bridges and routers, have realized cross-chain interaction merely at the digital assets level. There is still a lot of room for expansion in the multichain application environment.