The Problem;
To fully understand how the blockchain works, we must describe it as a register. The register contains several pages that are referred to as "blocks", and each of these pages contains transactions. If all pages (blocks) on the register (chain) are filled with transactions, they must be added to the register before another page is recorded.
Before any block can be added to the chain, processing will ensure that all parties agree on the information recorded on the chain. It will take about ten minutes for each block to be processed. This has been the major problem of the Bitcoin network.
A transaction fee is paid by users who want to speed up their block processing. These fees are flexible and depend on how much each user is willing to pay to speed up processing. These reasons mentioned above are why blockchains are slow and also expensive. These problems have been solved with the adoption of the Bitcoin Lightning Network.
Solution - Lightning Network
Lightning Network was designed with the idea that not all transactions should be recorded on the blockchain. Certain transactions can be recorded on the chain and not on the blockchain. For users who carry out transactions often, a payment channel is created.
These payment channels allow these users to transact among themselves without being recorded on the blockchain. This channel can be open for hours, and the only time the blockchain is touched is when the channel is about to be closed. Two blockchain users will create a channel that will require them to sign on to any fund that will be spent. The transaction carried out by these two users is not broadcasted on the blockchain.
These channels are created to ensure that blockchain transactions are rarely required. Since the blockchain will be touched infrequently, transactions on it will happen as fast as possible.
Lightning Network has been described by people as a second-layer payment mechanism that operates on stable blockchains like that of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Before its launch, it was described as Bitcoin's mechanism for solving its scalability issues. It supports peer-to-peer payment systems and is done by creating payment channels. This reduces the risk of third-party interference and minimizes fund delegation. Lightning Network was launched in December 2017.
Payment Channels
Payment channels have been referred to as safety boxes where two users deposit equal sums of money and lock them. This deposit of funds is recorded on the "Open Transaction" section of the blockchain. Once it is recorded, a payment channel is created between the two users. These funds are locked in a box to ensure that one individual spends them without the knowledge of the other. To transfer funds, a promise of ownership is needed.
To further explain the point, payment channels refer to the pooling of funds together. Then, with the promise of ownership, the pooled-in funds are transferred in the already agreed-upon manner. To explain better, Joe and John decided to create a payment channel, and they both pool about 20 BTC each into the channel or standard box.
If Joe decides to send 5 BTC to John, what does he do? First, he will have to transfer or send a promise of ownership for five of his BTCs that are kept in the channel to John. Once it is confirmed and the standard box where the funds were stored is opened, John can claim 25 BTC, while Joe will be left with 15.
These payment channels can also be used to transfer funds to people on different channels with you.
For example, if Joe and John have created a payment channel, but Joe decides to transfer funds to Phil, who has a channel with John (but does not have a channel with Joe). Joe will ask John to transfer a specific amount to Phil through their channel. If the funds are transferred, Joe will have to reimburse John.
With the creation of these channels, transactions will be carried out off the blockchain to ensure that it is fast. Payment channels penalize users who do not cooperate.
Commitment Transactions
This was designed to divide the total funds from each open channel based on accurate allocation. To better understand how this works, let's say Joe has 2.0 mBTC, equal to 0.002 Bitcoins and 200000 satoshis. John, on the other hand, owns the same number of Bitcoins. The commitment transaction must divide the value of each BTC as was done above.
It allows numerous users to participate in single transactions. It acts as a single entity and uses multiple signature keys.
Limitations of the Lightning Network
One of the major problems of the Lightning Network is that if one participant drops the channel, it will automatically be closed and then settle on the blockchain. Also, the nature of the Lightning Network means that it cannot watch over every node in the event of fraud; that was why a mechanism called "watch towers" was created. This mechanism helps to monitor all nodes in each payment channel.
Recently, the Lightning Network platform was attacked, and about 200 nodes on payment channels went offline.
Conclusion
Lightning Network has proven to be a real solution to the scalability problem faced by numerous blockchains, hosting companies that accept Bitcoin, and others who accept Bitcoin payments. Introducing payment channels also ensures that transactions between users are fast and secure.
Also, the higher transaction fees experienced before its launch have become a thing of the past. It is interesting for users to know that a new version of Lightning will be out quickly. This was announced by Elizabeth Stark, the CEO.
