Systems and methods implemented by a network element include executing a virtual machine that processes and manages a first Blockchain; communicating with a plurality of nodes in the network, each being part of a peer-to-peer network that manages the first Blockchain, wherein at least one node of the plurality of nodes one of i) operates at a different network layer and ii) utilizes a different protocol for communication, from the network element; and performing one or more applications utilizing the first Blockchain.