> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ibvm.gitbook.io/ibvm-doc/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ibvm.gitbook.io/ibvm-doc/technical-documentation/system-architecture-overview.md).

# System Architecture Overview

IBVM operates as a layered stack composed of the following major components:

1. Bitcoin Base Layer: The foundation that provides security and final settlement
2. Bridge Protocol: Manages the secure movement of BTC between the base layer and IBVM
3. Execution Layer: EVM-compatible environment for transaction processing
4. Sequencer Network: Orders and processes transactions before settlement
5. Prover System: Generates ZK-SNARKs to validate state transitions
6. Data Availability Layer: Ensures transaction data remains accessible

Settlement Layer: Submits compressed proofs to the Bitcoin blockchain

<figure><img src="/files/n1xjpI0t3w37O5Cva5vV" alt=""><figcaption><p>Architecture Diagram</p></figcaption></figure>