# Authentication

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Access to the Xyxyx API Testnet is limited to Xyxyx API Keys.
{% endhint %}

The Xyxyx API pioneers a new, innovative approach to API authentication by leveraging blockchain technology via the EVM instead of traditional methods like the OAuth 2.0 protocol. Xyxyx's blockchain-based, dual-token method ensures permissionless, secure, and efficient access to the API.

 Xyxyx API authentication is achieved through two methods:

* [**Xyxyx API Keys**](https://developer.xyxyx.pro/getting-started/xyxyx-api-keys)
* [**Xyxyx Issuer Nodes (XINs)**](https://docs.xyxyx.pro/protocol/xyxyx/xyxyx-issuer-nodes-xins)

The API authentication can occur based on three architectures:

1. **Node**

Users can authenticate via a node. This means `1` **Xyxyx API Key** or `1` **XIN** owned by an address.

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2. **Cluster**

Users can authenticate via a cluster. This means multiple Xyxyx API Keys or multiple XINs owned by an address.

e.g., `2` **Xyxyx API Keys** or `2` **XINs**

***

3. **Composite**

Users can authenticate via a composite. This means a token composite between Xyxyx API Keys and XINs.

e.g., `1` **Xyxyx API Key** + `1` **XIN**

***

Refer to the [Getting an API Key](https://developer.xyxyx.pro/getting-started/quickstart) page to learn how to get an Xyxyx API or an XIN.

Refer to the [Rates & Limits](https://developer.xyxyx.pro/getting-started/rates-and-limits) page to learn about rates and limits of Xyxyx API Keys and XINs.


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# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://developer.xyxyx.pro/getting-started/authentication.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.