Ripple boss explains: This is how the UNL of the XRP Ledger works!

Ripple boss explains: This is how the UNL of the XRP Ledger works!

Ripple CTO David Schwartz recently provided an important clarification on the XRP Ledger's Unique Node List (UNL). This list identifies trusted validators of a server and plays a crucial role in the network's consensus. Schwartz addressed a concern raised by a user who was having difficulty changing the trusted validators in their public XRP GUI wallet. The user also expressed concern about the possibility that Ripple could manipulate the UNL.

Schwartz clarified that the UNL is crucial to the network's progress and that wallets are simply monitoring it. If nodes do not agree with the validators of their UNL, the network can come to a standstill. Each XRP Ledger server is configured to have a UNL that determines which votes are taken into account when reaching consensus. Server operators have complete control over their own UNL.

Relevance of UNL to network security

Different UNLs between servers can lead to different results when validating the ledger and may even cause network forks. To avoid such forks, it is necessary that the UNLs of the servers have a high consistency. The XRP Ledger uses recommended validator lists to facilitate reliable selection of validators.

Schwartz further explained that the default configuration for XRP Ledger servers includes two lists: one from the XRP Ledger Foundation and one from Ripple itself. The default UNL (dUNL) refers to the validators included in these lists and is a fundamental component for the stability and security of the network.

In summary, the current discussion highlights the importance of a well-configured UNL for the integrity of the XRP network and the role that server operators play in ensuring smooth consensus.

For more information, you can read U Today.