What is Polkadot Relay Chain?

The Relay Chain is the main protocol and most powerful component of the Polkadot network. It is responsible for maintaining network consensus with the help of the hybrid GRANDPA and BABE Nominated Proof-of-Stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism. The Relay Chain utilizes validators, parachains, collators, fishermen, and nominators to ensure the network works correctly at all times and is used as a main control center to interact with external blockchains through bridges and internal Polkadot-based blockchain protocols (parachains). The Relay Chain also utilizes the DOT asset to allow various nodes in the ecosystem to work correctly and for other uses.