# Polkadot architecture **URL:** \ **Category:** Ecosystem\ **Created:** [August 19, 2026, 7:27pm UTC](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-architecture/18434 "2026-08-19T19:27:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ultracoconut](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/user_avatar/forum.polkadot.network/ultracoconut/32/5932_2.png) [@ultracoconut](https://forum.polkadot.network/u/ultracoconut)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2026, 7:27pm UTC](https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-architecture/18434/1 "2026-08-19T19:27:35Z")
I wanted to share a diagram of Polkadot’s current architecture. This diagram is free for anyone to use. I also explain what Polkadot really is, as, in my personal opinion, it has never been properly explained. To do so, I introduce some new terminology. I hope you like it. ![polkadot architecture](https://europe1.discourse-cdn.com/flex005/uploads/polkadot2/original/2X/3/3bf6cd5fef6ab5ca8e98867c6735807bad503e17.jpeg) The core of Polkadot is the Polkadot Network Engine (PNE). This central component is the active infrastructure responsible for unifying global consensus, guaranteeing cryptographic security, and orchestrating cross-chain communication across the entire ecosystem, all backed by an internal blockchain ledger. Currently, Polkadot uses its first version of the **Polkadot Network Engine (PNE)**, known —or, in my opinion, somewhat misleadingly named— as the **Relay Chain**. The second version of the PNE, currently under development, is called **JAM**. In the future, new versions will continue to optimize the network’s functionality. They may even incorporate **ZK (Zero-Knowledge)** technologies, but we will see what the future holds. The main system we can access within Polkadot is composed of different **components** , each designed to perform a specific function. For example, **Polkadot Hub** makes it easy to deploy and execute smart contracts. The recent development of the **Product SDK** provides a more user-friendly way to access these different components, making them easier for developers and users to work with. Finally, Polkadot provides **cores** , a fundamental resource of the PNE that allows other networks to leverage Polkadot’s infrastructure.