Developers Propose Cross-Chain Bridge for XRPL Network to Enhance Blockchain Interoperability

Software engineers and members of the development lab Ripplex want to create a cross-chain bridge for the XRPL network to bolster cross-chain transfers between different blockchain networks. According to a recent Github draft, the proposal outlines how the cross-chain bridge could function and suggests ways to prevent transaction replay.

Ripplex Dev Proposes XRPL Cross-Chain Bridge Technology

According to a recent draft submitted to Github, developers want to create a cross-chain bridge for the $XRP Ledger (XRPL). The technology would allow cross-chain transfers and provide blockchain interoperability between XRPL and various networks. “In this proposal, a cross-chain transfer is not a single transaction,” the GitHub draft details. “It occurs on two chains, requires multiple transactions, and involves an additional server type called a ‘witness.’”

If a cross-chain bridge is implemented for XRPL, the blockchain will join numerous networks that leverage this technology, including Ethereum, Avalanche, Solana, Binance Smart Chain, and others. The proposed design by XRPL developers includes a new server type, three new ledger objects, and eight new transactions. The summary also describes a method to “prevent the same assets from being wrapped multiple times (prevent transaction replay).” Mayukha Vadari, a software engineer and Ripplex developer, shared the proposal on social media.

“We just published an official XRPL Standards spec for cross-chain bridges,” Vadari said. “Check it out and let me know if you have any thoughts.”

The cross-chain idea follows the push to create an Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) sidechain in October that is compatible with the $XRP Ledger and Ripple transaction protocol (RTXP). Currently, $XRP, XRPL’s native cryptocurrency, is the sixth-largest digital currency by market capitalization. However, over the last seven days, it has lost 7.7% against the U.S. dollar.

Ripple Labs is also dealing with a legal battle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and some suspect a settlement between the two parties is possible. $XRP, a token issued in 2012, has been accused of being an unregistered security by the SEC. The U.S. regulator charged Ripple Labs in 2020, accusing the firm and executives of selling an unregistered security without permission from the SEC.

What are your thoughts on the potential impact of a cross-chain bridge for the XRPL network and the wider blockchain ecosystem? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.