# 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>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://ibvm.gitbook.io/ibvm-doc/technical-documentation/system-architecture-overview.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.