# System Overview Nexus is a Layer 1 blockchain with BFT consensus (NexusBFT) and an EVM execution layer (NexusEVM). It will be extended with an Exchange execution engine (NexusCore) and a distributed proof system (Compute Network) to run a fully on-chain spot and perpetual futures exchange. #### How the system works today A developer submits an EVM transaction. NexusEVM executes the contract at 1-second block intervals. NexusBFT validators commit the block with single-slot finality. The transaction is final when committed. #### How the system will extend with the Exchange A trader will submit a signed order via REST or WebSocket API. The sequencer will order the transaction and dispatch it to NexusCore, which will match the order, update positions, and run risk checks at 5ms block intervals. NexusBFT validators will commit the block. The Compute Network will then generate a validity proof of the execution batch, recorded on-chain so that any party can verify independently. NexusCore and NexusEVM will operate as parallel execution domains with different block cadences. NexusEVM contracts will call into NexusCore — placing orders, reading exchange state, managing margin — atomically within a single transaction. --- # 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://docs.nexus.xyz/overview/system-overview.md?ask= ``` 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.