Unique addresses (Devnet)
TVL (Devnet)
Transactions processed (Devnet)
Bridged tokens (Devnet)
No layer one is ever going to be everything to everyone and if we if we don't want that to be a huge downside, if we don't want that to fragment the community unity, what we need is the ability to have asset portability so that XRP is not limited to the XRP Ledger or other issued assets aren't limited to their home.
David Schwartz
CTO at Ripple and XRP Ledger architect
Enabling Seamless Interoperability
The introduction of the XRPL EVM Sidechain marks a transformative advancement within the XRPL ecosystem, but for the sidechain to extend the capabilities of the XRPL mainnet, they must be connected. This is where the XRPL EVM Bridge plays a critical role. It ensures seamless integration between these blockchains, extending functionality beyond the XRPL and its EVM Sidechain to any Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM)-compatible network. Bridges like these are essential to overcoming blockchain fragmentation, enhancing utility, efficiency, and scalability across decentralized networks.
Access the bridge portal here https://bridge.xrplevm.org/
What is a blockchain bridge
A blockchain bridge is critical infrastructure enabling communication between two separate blockchain networks, allowing assets, data, and smart contracts to move across these isolated systems. However, a common misconception is that assets “travel” between blockchains. In reality, tokens are locked on the source chain and an equivalent token (often called a wrapped token) is minted on the destination chain. When the token is bridged back, the wrapped token is burned, and the original token is unlocked on the source chain, ensuring that the total supply remains constant across chains.
For XRP bridged to the sidechain, the process differs. Since XRP acts as the native token of the sidechain, it is already preminted. Thus, when XRP is bridged from the mainnet to the sidechain, it is simply locked on the source chain and unlocked on the sidechain, avoiding the minting and burning process used for other tokens
XRPL EVM Bridge
In this section, we delve into the intricate design and operational framework of the XRPL EVM Bridge, exploring its foundational architecture, the mechanisms enabling wide-ranging interoperability, and the secure transaction processes underpinning this revolutionary technology.
Bridge Design and Verifier Responsibilities
In a blockchain bridge, verifiers play a central role in ensuring that assets are securely locked on the source chain and minted or unlocked on the destination chain. The bridge’s design focuses on creating a reliable, secure mechanism for assigning these responsibilities, ensuring no single party controls the process while maintaining high security and transaction integrity.
Axelar Decentralization
In the original design, based on XLS-38d, verifiers were selected from within the XRPL ecosystem, relying on a more centralized framework. With the shift to Axelar, the selection process is now fully decentralized. Axelar is a specialized, purpose-specific blockchain designed to facilitate secure messaging between blockchains. As a proof-of-stake protocol, Axelar uses a trustless mechanism to elect verifiers based on their stake in the network, reducing the risk of manipulation and enhancing the bridge’s security and reliability.
Interoperability with Other Blockchains
A standout feature of using Axelar in the XRPL EVM Bridge is its ability to extend interoperability beyond XRPL and EVM-compatible blockchains. Axelar connects multiple blockchain ecosystems, facilitating communication between different consensus models and token standards. As a growing ecosystem, Axelar already supports over 60 blockchains, providing users with extensive cross-chain capabilities, making the blockchain experience more versatile and connected.
Cross-Chain Smart Contract Calls
A key advantage of using Axelar as a bridge is its ability to facilitate cross-chain smart contract calls (General Message Passing or GMP) without manually bridging assets. Instead of transferring tokens across blockchains, developers can call smart contracts directly on another chain. This feature enhances interoperability by simplifying cross-chain operations, reducing friction, and enabling more efficient dApp development and interaction.
Benefits
Easy-to-use bridge
The bridge offers a straightforward interface, making it easy for users, even those without technical expertise, to transfer assets between networks.
Distributed Bridge Architecture
Axelar’s proof-of-stake model provides a secure and decentralized bridge infrastructure, enhancing safety for cross-chain transactions.
Interoperability with 60+ Networks
Axelar enables interoperability across more than 60 blockchains, going beyond just EVM-compatible networks.
Bridge XRP, IOU and ERC-20 tokens
Users can bridge a variety of tokens, including native XRP, IOUs and ERC-20s, between different chains with ease.
Expanding XRPL’s with a Decentralized Bridge
The construction of the first decentralized bridge on the XRPL represents a pivotal advancement for the ecosystem. By connecting the XRPL mainnet with its EVM Sidechain and more than 60 other blockchain networks, this bridge unlocks new opportunities for programmability and scalability. It significantly broadens XRP’s utility, allowing it to seamlessly interact with the wider blockchain ecosystem.
Thanks to Axelar’s decentralized architecture, this bridge offers a secure, reliable, and user-friendly solution. The integration with MetaMask, through the new XRPL Snap, ensures that users can manage their XRPL accounts effortlessly. Now fully functional on Devnet, with the entire end-to-end bridge flow operating through Axelar contracts, we encourage developers and users to test the system and explore its potential.
Access the bridge portal here https://bridge.xrplevm.org/
