Add unl guide md

docs/UNL-application-guide.md

@@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+*Draft Proposal*
+
+**Guide to Applying to be on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) Foundation's Unique Node List (UNL)**
+
+This document outlines the requirements, process, and evaluation criteria for individuals and organizations seeking to be included on the XRPL Foundation's Unique Node List (UNL).
+
+**1. Initial Prerequisites and Validator Operation**
+
+The first step in the process is demonstrating a history of reliable and secure operation within the XRPL network.
+
+**Run a Non-UNL Validator**
+
+Before applying for the UNL, you must successfully **run an XRPL validator that is not yet on the UNL for a sufficient period of time**. This is a necessary phase to prove your operational reliability and commitment to the network.
+
+**Core Operational Requirement: Agreement and Uptime**
+
+The single most critical requirement is being and remaining in **agreement with the network**. This is directly related to your validator's **uptime**.
+
+  - Your server must be **well-maintained** and capable of keeping up with the network's demands.
+  - If your uptime drops, your validator will not be in agreement with the network. High uptime is essential for the reliability of the UNL.
+
+For technical instructions on setting up your validator, please refer to the official documentation:
+
+  - **How to Run an XRP Ledger Validator:** [Running an XRP Ledger Validator](https://xrpl.org/blog/2020/running-an-xrp-ledger-validator)
+
+**Demonstrating Stewardship and Track Record**
+
+Beyond core operational uptime, candidates are strongly encouraged to actively participate in the network to build a verifiable track record of responsibility and commitment. This includes:
+
+  - Timely Upgrades: Promptly upgrading your non-UNL validator to the latest rippled releases.
+  - Responsible Governance: Active and thoughtful participation in the decentralized governance process, including casting votes on Fix Amendments in a timely and responsible manner.
+      - Even though non-UNL votes do not count toward the formal amendment process, this establishes a clear, observable track record.
+  - Community Engagement: Active participation in community discussions and testing efforts to demonstrate a long-term commitment to the network's health and evolution.
+
+**2. The Application Process**
+
+Once you believe your validator is stable and you meet the operational requirements, you can formally apply for consideration.
+
+**Submit a GitHub Pull Request**
+
+To begin the review process, you should go to **GitHub** and submit a **pull request** (PR). This PR serves as your formal application, stating your readiness and desire to be considered for inclusion on the UNL.
+
+Please use this guide, and existing PRs, as a guide to what information should be included in order to be selected. Sensitive information can also be communicated via private channels.
+
+  - **GitHub UNL Repository:** [https://github.com/XRPLF/unl](https://github.com/XRPLF/unl)
+
+**Trust and Reputation**
+
+While the review process can be lengthy, it may be faster for applicants who have established **community credit** or **community reputation** within the XRPL ecosystem. The entire process hinges on demonstrating **trust** to the network and the Foundation.
+
+**3. Evaluation Criteria and Performance**
+
+The XRPL Foundation examines a wide array of criteria, both technical and qualitative, to assess a candidate's suitability. Current decisions are based on objective analysis of these factors.
+
+**Technical Performance Metrics**
+
+| Metric                         | Description                                                                                       |
+| :----------------------------: | :-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
+| Consensus uptime               | Sustained high performance, matching the network's consensus. This is a crucial proxy for uptime. |
+| Upgrade promptness/communication | How quickly the operator updates to the latest rippled releases.                                  |
+| Emergency promptness           | The ability to rapidly respond to critical issues.                                                |
+| Fix Amendment voting           | Active and correct participation in the network's decentralized governance process.               |
+| xrp-ledger.toml completeness   | Proper setup and identification of the validator using the configuration file.                    |
+| Capacity for network bursts    | Headroom within system specifications and bandwidth                                               |
+
+**Security Requirements (Critical for UNL)**
+
+A UNL validator carries a unique level of **trust** and responsibility, requiring a significantly higher security standard than a normal node.
+
+  - **Preventing Tampering:** You must protect your server from being accessed or tampered with.
+  - **Preventing Downtime:** The validator must be protected against attacks like **Denial of Service (DoS)**, which could bring the network to a halt if many UNL validators fail simultaneously.
+  - **IP Address Obscuration:** It is vital to **keep the UNL validator’s IP address private** to protect against direct DoS attacks. This is typically achieved by running the UNL validator behind a proxy using another rippled node or multiple rippled nodes, or by using other traditional methods to keep the IP address obscured.
+  - **Domain Verification:** This ensures a clear, public identity for the validator's operator.
+
+The XRPL Foundation will conduct **penetration tests** over time on UNL validators to ensure that your validator cannot be easily taken down.
+
+**Diversity Requirements**
+
+Decentralization is a core goal. The Foundation actively seeks a distributed and resilient UNL.
+
+| Diversity Factor              | Description                                                                                       |
+| :---------------------------: | :-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
+| **Geographic diversity**      | Ensuring validators are not concentrated in one physical location.                                |
+| **Geo political diversity**   | Distributing validators across different legal and political jurisdictions.                       |
+| **Hosting diversity**         | Avoiding over-reliance on a single cloud or hosting provider.                                     |
+| **Vertical / Industry diversity** | Ensuring participation from various sectors (e.g., exchanges, academic, independent).           |
+
+**Soft/Qualitative Factors**
+
+  - **Active on socials** | Engagement with the community and transparency. |
+  - **Long-term Commitment** | Demonstrated long-term commitment to the network's health. |
+  - **Stewardship** | Prioritizing the network's long-term integrity, decentralization, and shared success through thoughtful governance and reliable node operation.
+
+**4. Monitoring Performance and The Final Decision**
+**Monitoring Validator Performance**
+
+You can monitor your validator's performance statistics, including agreement rate and other metrics, using the official network explorer:
+
+  - **XRPL LiveNet Validators Page:** [https://livenet.xrpl.org/network/validators](https://livenet.xrpl.org/network/validators)
+  - **XRPSCAN:** [Validator List on XRPSCAN](https://xrpscan.com/validators)
+
+**Final Authority and UNL Management**
+
+The final decision on which pull requests are approved for inclusion on the UNL rests with the **XRPL Foundation board** or a designated committee appointed by that board. A validator may adhere to all guidelines and not be included.

readme.md

@@ -2,6 +2,10 @@
 
 The XRP Ledger Foundation maintains a Unique Node List (UNL) for the XRPL. This repo is the source for the `UNL`, published at [https://unl.xrplf.org](https://unl.xrplf.org/).
 
+## Guides
+
+- [UNL application guide](docs/UNL-application-guide.md) — Draft proposal describing requirements and the application process for inclusion on the UNL.
+
 ## Editing the UNL
 
 The process of creating an updated signed UNL is outlined below.