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- Solana’s memecoin boom is stress-testing — and validating — real network performance.
- High activity is converting into DEX volume and application revenue.
- XRP shows accumulation signs, but technical weakness persists.
Solana and XRP are telling two very different stories this week — and together, they capture the crosscurrents shaping the broader altcoin market.
On one side, Solana’s memecoin-fueled activity surge is quietly validating its technical foundation. On the other, XRP is attracting fresh capital but still struggling to reclaim a bullish structure. Both trends reflect a market rotating into altcoins, yet doing so with selective conviction.
Solana’s Memecoin Boom Is Stress-Testing Real Infrastructure
Solana’s latest memecoin wave may look speculative on the surface, but underneath it is acting as a live stress test for the network’s core performance.
Transaction throughput has remained consistently strong, hovering between roughly 2,000 and 5,000 transactions per second since 2023, with recent readings near 3,200 TPS. Importantly, bursts of memecoin launches have not produced lasting slowdowns. Instead, throughput normalizes quickly after spikes, pointing to operational resilience rather than fragile peak performance.
Weekly averages now show Solana handling about 40% of Layer-1 transaction throughput, second only to Internet Computer. By comparison, chains such as Ethereum, TRON, and BNB Chain typically operate below 150 TPS.
This advantage stems from Solana’s parallelized execution model, optimized networking, and low fees. High activity becomes additive rather than destabilizing — a meaningful signal that the chain is functioning as production infrastructure, not an experimental environment.
Token Launch Frenzy Without Network Degradation
Memecoin deployments on Solana recently climbed above 40,000 daily, an 11-month high. Notably, this surge coincided with sustained throughput in the 3,000–5,000 TPS range.
Rather than clogging the network, heavy token creation appears to coexist with smooth execution. Launchpad usage is also spreading across multiple platforms instead of concentrating in a single venue, suggesting broad participation.
The result is a reinforcing loop: high throughput lowers friction, which attracts experimentation, which in turn increases activity. Solana’s technical capacity is now directly shaping where memecoin speculation chooses to live.
Speculation Is Translating Into Real Revenue
Solana’s surge is not just about raw volume. Over the past 30 days, decentralized exchange trading on Solana exceeded $110 billion, more than double Ethereum’s roughly $47 billion.
Application-level revenue has followed. Solana generated around $145 million in app revenue during the same period, outpacing most major competitors. Base fees, priority fees, and MEV extraction are compounding as activity scales — confirming that usage is being monetized, not merely observed.
While Solana builds strength through usage, XRP’s story is more technical.
The token recently bounced about 2% from the $1.70–$1.80 zone — a range that has acted as support since the 2024 election. At the same time, the Altcoin Season Index has risen from mid-January lows, and Bitcoin dominance is testing resistance near 60%, pointing to rotational capital flows into altcoins.
XRP is benefiting from this shift. Weekly net inflows into XRP ETFs reached $23 million, and more wallets holding at least one million XRP have reappeared on-chain. However, the structure remains fragile. XRP has posted four lower lows since its July peak near $3.65.
For momentum to flip, price needs to reclaim the $2.15 level. Until that happens, XRP’s rebound looks more like accumulation than confirmation.
Also Read: Ondo Finance Deploys Institutional Asset Infrastructure on Solana
Solana’s memecoin surge is evolving into a proof-of-scalability moment, showing that heavy speculation can coexist with stable performance and rising revenue. XRP, meanwhile, is drawing institutional interest but still searching for technical validation.
Together, they highlight a market that is rotating into altcoins — but rewarding networks with demonstrable utility more than narrative alone.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.
I’m a crypto enthusiast with a background in finance. I’m fascinated by the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional financial systems. I’m always on the lookout for new and innovative projects in the space. I believe that crypto has the potential to create a more equitable and inclusive financial system.
