@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ In this chapter, we will begin where most people start when encountering the Lig
=== Lightning Nodes
The Lightning Network is accessed via software applications that can speak the Lightning Network protocol. A _Lightning Network Node_ (or simply "node") is a software application that has three important characteristics. First, nodes must communicate on a peer-to-peer basis with other Lightning nodes creating the network. Nodes also include "wallet" functionality, so they can send and receive payments over the Lightning Network as well as on the Bitcoin network. Finally, Lightning nodes also need access to the Bitcoin blockchain (or other blockchains for other cryptocurrencies) to secure the funds used for payments.
The Lightning Network is accessed via software applications that can speak the Lightning Network protocol. A _Lightning Network Node_ (or simply "node") is a software application that has three important characteristics. First, Lightning nodes are "wallets", so they send and receive payments over the Lightning Network as well as on the Bitcoin network. Second, nodes must communicate on a peer-to-peer basis with other Lightning nodes creating the network. Finally, Lightning nodes also need access to the Bitcoin blockchain (or other blockchains for other cryptocurrencies) to secure the funds used for payments.
Users have the highest degree of control by running their own Bitcoin node and Lightning node. However, Lightning nodes can also use a lightweight Bitcoin client (commonly referred to as Simplified Payment Verification (SPV)) to interact with the Bitcoin blockchain.
Andreas M. Antonopoulos
4 years ago