Ripple CTO Deploys Independent XRP Ledger Infrastructure Node

In a recent social media post, Ripple’s Chief Technology Officer, David Schwartz, provided a detailed update on a new independent infrastructure project he is personally overseeing for the XRP Ledger (XRPL).

Through a series of posts on X, Schwartz explained that he is deploying and managing a standalone server that will function as a high-quality hub to support the XRPL network. He emphasized that this initiative is being undertaken in a personal capacity and is not officially affiliated with Ripple, despite his employment at the company.

Schwartz noted that he has not personally operated XRPL infrastructure for several years but has now decided to establish a node that could enhance the network’s robustness. According to him, the network would benefit most from a “high-quality hub” that includes reserved connection slots for validators on the Unique Node List (UNL), other hubs, and servers that support XRPL-based applications.

The server would not be exclusively reserved for core infrastructure; Schwartz added that “the rest of the slots would be available to the public on a best effort and space available basis.” Reserved slots, however, would remain limited to significant or high-priority nodes.

Server Build and Hosting Environment

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In his post, Schwartz disclosed the full specifications of the server build. The setup includes an AMD 9950X CPU, 256GB of RAM, a 2TB SATA SSD designated for the operating system, and two 2TB NVMe SSDs configured with software RAID 0 for NuDB storage. Connectivity will be supported through a 10GB unmetered internet link. The server will run Ubuntu LTS and be housed in a data center located in New York City.

Schwartz described the node as a single-server deployment optimized for high uptime and reliability. He clarified that, although it is intended to be a production-grade service, no participant on the network should consider it a critical dependency. “Nobody should rely on it because an important XRPL server should never rely on a single hub,” he stated.

Functionality, Data Gathering, and Limitations

Beyond its operational role in the XRPL ecosystem, Schwartz’s infrastructure project is also designed to serve a research and observational purpose. He stated his intention to gather data on network behavior and performance using the node. However, he assured that the server would not be used for any form of disruptive testing unless justified by “very unusual circumstances.”

He said that although the infrastructure is maintained and operated by him, it has no official connection with Ripple as a company. As Schwartz framed it, the initiative is entirely personal.

Status Update and Future Plans

Schwartz invited technical feedback from the community regarding both the utility of the project and the server’s configuration. He asked, “Anyone think this is not useful or that something else would be more useful? Anyone see anything wrong or suboptimal in the configuration?” This open-ended question was to gather insights to ensure the infrastructure meets the needs of XRPL participants effectively.

With the server now integrated into the XRPL network and undergoing continuous testing, Schwartz’s contribution introduces an independently operated, technically robust node designed to support validator connectivity and improve overall network reliability. As the project progresses through its stabilization phase, further updates from Schwartz are expected to provide more insight into its role within the XRPL ecosystem.

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