A unique node list is a list of nodes that a network participant trusts. There are three entities – Ripple, the XRP Ledger Foundation and Coil – that publish lists of recommended validators based on aspects like past performance, verified identity and secure IT policies. These lists are called default unique node lists (dUNL). As more validators join the network, participants have more flexibility to choose who they add to their UNL, although that provides a level of risk because not all validators carry the same level of trust and performance.
