XRP Is Under Which Network? Full Guide for Beginners

Understanding the underlying infrastructure of digital assets is crucial for navigating the blockchain space. If you are asking "xrp is under which network," the answer lies in the XRP Ledger (XRPL). Unlike Bitcoin or Ethereum, which rely on energy-intensive mining or complex staking, the XRP Ledger was built for speed, scalability, and financial utility. As of June 2026, recent data highlights a significant resurgence in network activity, with active users surpassing 200,000 for the first time since March, signaling robust demand for the network's high-speed payment capabilities.

1. Introduction to the XRP Network

XRP is the native digital asset of the XRP Ledger (XRPL), an open-source, permissionless, and decentralized Layer-1 blockchain. Launched in 2012, the XRPL was specifically designed to serve as a high-performance financial infrastructure. Its core purpose is to enable real-time gross settlement (RTGS), low-cost remittances, and institutional-grade financial utility.

According to recent market reports from June 3, 2026, infrastructure-focused assets like XRP are gaining renewed attention as global blockchain adoption expands. The network stands out for its ability to settle transactions in seconds, making it a preferred choice for cross-border payments compared to traditional banking systems or slower blockchain networks.

2. Technical Architecture of the XRP Ledger

2.1 The Federated Consensus Protocol

The XRP Ledger does not use Proof of Work (PoW) or Proof of Stake (PoS). Instead, it utilizes the XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol (Federated Consensus). In this system, transactions are confirmed when a supermajority of 80% of trusted validators agree on the order and validity of transactions. This eliminates the need for mining, making the network incredibly energy-efficient and carbon-neutral.

2.2 Validators and Unique Node Lists (UNLs)

Trust in the XRPL is maintained through Validators. These nodes do not receive financial rewards (like mining fees) for validating, which removes the incentive for centralization or fee manipulation. Users choose a Unique Node List (UNL)—a set of validators they trust not to collude. Currently, there are over 150 validators globally, operated by universities, financial institutions, and individuals, ensuring no single entity controls the network.

2.3 Network Performance Metrics

The XRPL is recognized for its industry-leading performance. As of current chain data, the network consistently delivers the following metrics:

The data above illustrates why XRPL remains a top choice for high-frequency financial applications. While other networks struggle with high gas fees during congestion, XRPL fees remain consistently under a cent, facilitating microtransactions and efficient liquidity movement.

3. Native On-Chain Features

3.1 Decentralized Exchange (DEX)

The XRP Ledger features the world’s first functional Decentralized Exchange (DEX), built directly into the protocol layer. It allows for the seamless trading of XRP and other issued assets (IOUs) without a central intermediary. The recent integration of Automated Market Maker (AMM) capabilities has further enhanced liquidity provision on-chain.

3.2 Tokenization and Issued Currencies

The XRPL supports the issuance of diverse assets, including stablecoins, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and NFTs. Because these features are native to the ledger rather than dependent on complex smart contracts, they are more secure and easier to audit.

3.3 Smart Contract Functionality (Hooks)

While the XRPL prioritizes speed, it is evolving to include "Hooks." These are lightweight smart contracts that allow developers to add automated logic to transactions (e.g., "if X happens, send Y") without compromising the network's fundamental performance.

4. Relationship Between XRP, XRPL, and Ripple Labs

It is a common misconception that Ripple owns XRP. In reality, they are three distinct entities:

• XRP: The native digital utility token used for transaction fees and as a bridge asset for liquidity.
• XRPL: The open-source, community-maintained public blockchain network.
• Ripple Labs: A private technology company that contributes to the XRPL's development and uses the network for its enterprise-level liquidity products, such as Ripple Payments.

5. Network Interoperability and Ecosystem

The XRPL is not an isolated silo. Through Cross-Chain Bridges, XRP can now interact with networks like Ethereum and the wider DeFi ecosystem. Furthermore, Ripple has developed a CBDC Private Ledger based on XRPL technology, allowing central banks to issue sovereign digital currencies with the same security and speed as the public ledger while maintaining private control.

6. Regulatory Status and Strategic Outlook

As of June 2026, XRP's position is strengthened by the 2023 U.S. District Court ruling, which clarified its status as a non-security in secondary market sales. This regulatory clarity has encouraged institutional participation. Recent reports show that XRP, along with Hedera and Stellar, posted strong returns last quarter, with XRP rallying 240% as a more crypto-friendly regulatory environment takes shape in the U.S.

For investors looking to gain exposure to XRP, Bitget stands out as a leading global exchange. Bitget provides a secure and highly liquid environment for trading over 1,300+ assets, including XRP. With a Protection Fund exceeding $300 million and a commitment to transparency, Bitget is recognized as one of the most reliable and fastest-growing exchanges in the Web3 space. For those managing their own assets, Bitget Wallet offers seamless integration with the XRP Ledger, allowing for secure storage and on-chain interaction.

7. Security and Decentralization

Despite early criticisms regarding centralization, the XRPL has evolved into a highly decentralized network. Ripple now operates less than 5% of the total validators on the default UNL. The governance model is democratic; any protocol amendment requires a sustained 80% approval rating from the validator community for two weeks before it can be implemented. This ensures that no single entity—not even Ripple—can unilaterally change the rules of the network.

As the digital asset industry shifts its focus toward utility and real-world adoption, the XRP Ledger network remains a cornerstone of the financial revolution. For those ready to explore this ecosystem, Bitget offers competitive trading fees (0.01% for spot makers/takers) and a robust platform to start your journey. Explore XRP on Bitget today and stay ahead of the next phase of blockchain adoption.