Ripple is a payment protocol in addition to a currency exchange network recognized for its ability to handle transactions on a global scale. The primary motivations for developing Ripple were to provide an alternative to the existing money transfer network known as SWIFT and to eliminate the settlement layers between several well-known financial organizations.
When a user executes a transaction using Ripple, the platform deducts a transaction fee from a tiny amount of XRP, the platform’s native cryptocurrency. As a result, ripple’s transaction fees for international money transfers are far lower than those levied by traditional financial institutions like banks.
It is fascinating to learn that Ripple changed its name many times between 2012 and 2015. In 2012, the name Newcoin was changed to OpenCoin. In 2013, the company’s name was changed to Ripple Labs. The name was then confirmed in 2015 as Ripple.
How Does Ripple Function?
RippleNet, a worldwide network based on a set of rules known as RTXP (Ripple Transaction Protocol), comprises computers known as validators. The validators maintain a blockchain and ensure that all transactions transmitted via the network follow the RTXP rules.
A validator is a program anybody may use to keep the Ripple network running. In addition, companies may utilize gateways to get access to the Ripple network. For example, banks often manage gateways and serve as entrance points to Ripple for people who need to be connected to the network.
Ripple, via RippleNet, offers companies an alternative to the financial system. Via RippleNet and a service called On-Demand Liquidity, businesses may improve their current services for worldwide money transfer.
By joining RippleNet, exchanges, banks, companies, and payment providers may handle various commercial use cases. Among the most critical use cases are the following:
- Worldwide currency account
- International bill pay
- International supply chain payments
- e-Invoicing
- Real-time settlements and international P2P payments
- Real-time cash pooling
What Is XRP?
As previously stated, XRP is Ripple’s cryptocurrency, and it operates on the XRP Ledger, a blockchain developed by David Schwartz, Jed MaCaleb, and Arthur Britto.
The dissemination of XRP
With the establishment of Ripple Labs, 100 billion XRP were issued or pre-mined. Unfortunately, ripple’s protocol prevents the creation of more XRP.
Twenty billion XRP were awarded to Arthur Britto, Chris Larsen, and Jed Macaleb, the creators of Ripple. Twenty-five billion XRP are sold to individuals and businesses, while Ripple Labs retains 7 billion XRP.
The remaining 48 billion XRP are sealed in a smart contract that will release 1 billion XRP each month into Ripple Labs’ ownership until the 100 billion XRP limit is met.
Ripple Mining
If XRP is a cryptocurrency, is it feasible to mint it? This is a frequent concern among individuals. In short, the answer is no! It is not mintable.
With Ripple, transactions are handled differently. When an XRP transaction is broadcast across the network, the validators who maintain the network determine its legitimacy.
If 80% or more of the votes indicate the transaction is legitimate, the Ripple ledger is updated. This validator collection is called a “Unique Node List.” Each validator has a unique UNL. The operator of the validator determines who will be included in the UNL.
What makes Ripple popular?
Ripple is famous for several reasons. Some are described in detail below:
- The transaction time is quick, the transaction charge is minimal, and no bank visit is required to transfer money internationally.
- Many financial organizations and banks give Ripple the credibility and authority that other cryptocurrencies lack.
- XRP is regarded as one of the most stable cryptocurrencies, making it a secure investment for crypto newcomers.
- Bitcoin is among the most liquid cryptocurrencies; thus, it can be easily converted into various currencies.
Ripple in the headlines
XRP Ledger 1.6
In August 2020, version 1.6 of the XRP Ledger was released with several enhancements to performance. In addition to improvements and bug fixes, the consensus method became more effective by excluding offline validators when they are not connected to the network. In addition, the strengthened validations let servers easily spot Byzantine activity, a significant concern in the XRP ecosystem.
Ripple Xpring
Ripple Xpring is an effort including the ownership, investment, expansion, and provision of grants to enterprises and initiatives that assist the realization of use cases for XRP other than international transactions, such as crypto solutions for derivatives and debt.
SEC allegations
The Securities and Exchange Commission of the United States filed a lawsuit against Ripple in 2020 on the grounds that the company marketed unregistered securities.
Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse and co-founder Chris Larsen were accused of wrongdoing in the case. In addition, the SEC said the company and its officials marketed $1.3 billion in unregistered securities.
Perks of Ripple
Ripple offers several benefits, such as:
Quick settlement
Four to five seconds are required for the transmission of transactional confirmations.
Low fees
A transaction on the Ripple network costs just 0.000001 XRP, a minuscule fraction of a cent in the present environment.
Flexible network
In addition to processing transactions using XRP, the Ripple network may also be utilized with other cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies.
Scalability
Ripple can perform around 1,500 transactions per second, close to Visa’s rate of over 1,700. Consequently, Ripple is a viable choice for fintech businesses seeking a dependable infrastructure for high-volume transactions.
Low power consumption
More conscious of sustainability, businesses seek to reduce their carbon footprints by decreasing energy use. In addition, mining XRP needs minimal CPU resources; hence, nodes can function efficiently by validating and authorizing blockchain transactions.
Hence, the Ripple network consumes less energy than traditional blockchains.
Trusted by major financial institutions
Bank of America, IndusInd Bank, and Santander are a few notable financial institutions that use the Ripple network. In addition, some influential organizations employ Ripple and exhibit its widespread adoption.
The unpleasant side of Ripple
Ripple has several flaws, so only some things about it are laudable.
Centralized
Cryptocurrencies acquired appeal due to their decentralized nature, which removed authority from governments and banks. Nevertheless, the Ripple system contains a default set of validators, making it relatively centralized.
Large pre-mined XRP supply
Suppose a significant percentage of the Ripple supply not in circulation is held in escrow. In that case, substantial quantities may be introduced at inopportune periods, which will impact the price of XRP.
Is it worth investing in XRP?
Owing to the controversy surrounding Ripple, this topic has always been controversial. Yet, given that XRP is one of the most valuable currencies in market capitalization, it may be considered a good investment.
In addition, its efficacy in transaction execution and confirmation time is uncontested. Considering these factors, XRP is a sensible choice.
Conclusion
Due to the dispute surrounding Ripple, this subject has always been contentious. However, XRP is one of the most significant currencies in market capitalization. It is digital money for individuals who believe conventional banking has to be modernized.
As the Ripple network is focused on banks and payment providers, and XRP is the principal cryptocurrency, Ripple has a promising future. Now, Ripple Labs is making progress toward its aim of integrating other banks into its system.
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