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Bitcoin’s Lightning Network: 3 Possible Problems

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Bitcoin's Lightning Network: 3 Possible Problems

The Lightning Network is a second layer added to the Bitcoin network, which allows transactions between parties outside of the main blockchain, called off-chain transactions. The Lightning Network has often been touted as a turning point in the evolution of cryptocurrency. It is designed to speed up transaction processing times and reduce costs associated with the Bitcoin blockchain. The Lightning Network was conceived by two developers, Thaddeus Dryja and Joseph Poon in 2015.

While the Lightning Network has seen growth and development since its inception, challenges remain. Bitcoin’s price fluctuations have prevented the cryptocurrency from becoming a popular payment method for commercial and consumer transactions. Additionally, there are costs associated with using the Lightning Network.

Here we highlight what the Lightning Network is designed to solve and three problems it faces. Additionally, we look at recent developments that could impact and improve the network in the future.

Key points

  • The Lightning Network is a second layer added to the Bitcoin network, which allows transactions to be made outside of the blockchain.
  • The Lightning Network is designed to speed up transaction processing times and reduce costs associated with the Bitcoin blockchain.
  • However, the Lightning Network still has associated costs and can be vulnerable to fraud or malicious attacks.
  • Bitcoin’s price swings could prevent the cryptocurrency from becoming a popular payment method, limiting the use of the Lightning Network.

Understanding the Lightning Network

As Bitcoin gains transaction volume, more are processed on its blockchain network. This presents problems because the blockchain, in its current state, is not designed to scale or process the volume of transactions made.

The Bitcoin Scalability Problem

The blockchain and the Bitcoin network are designed to process a block approximately every 10 minutes. Transactions are sent to a work queue, where they are prioritized based on the amount paid by the user in fees. The more transactions there are, the larger the queue.

As a result, Bitcoin faced a scalability problem, meaning there are challenges when the network tries to process multiple transactions at once. In order for Bitcoin to process more data, the network must expand, allowing more transactions to be processed faster and more efficiently.

This network latency has led to higher transaction fees as miners take longer to validate transactions because users pay more to prioritize them.

What it is designed for

The Lightning Network is a separate blockchain that works alongside the Bitcoin blockchain. Simply put, the Lightning Network allows participants to transfer bitcoins to each other much more quickly using payment channels. Channels can remain open for further payments or closed once a transaction is completed. Instead of waiting for the main network to complete the payment transfer work queue (sometimes taking more than an hour), Lightning Network allows users to send and receive payments in seconds.

1. It does not solve the problem of Bitcoin transaction fees

Lightning Network is often touted as a solution to the problem of Bitcoin’s growing transaction fees. Its supporters claimed that transaction fees, one of the direct consequences of Bitcoin’s clogged network, would decline after the technology removed transactions from the main blockchain.

But Bitcoin’s congestion is one of several factors that affect its transaction fees. When the Lightning Network was integrated in 2018, users expected lower costs and faster transactions, but as the chart below shows, average fees for Bitcoin transactions have increased. There could be many reasons for this, but it shows how ineffective the Lightning Network has been in reducing rates.

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Lightning Network Fees

In addition to standard fees for on-chain transactions, users are charged a fee for opening a channel with a routing node. The routing node operator charges fees for providing the Lightning channel to the core network. The tariffs consist of a basic tariff and a tariff, both chosen by the operator. The base fee remains unchanged unless manually changed and the fee is a percentage of the transaction value.

Therefore, a node operator could set the base fee at one satoshi and the rate at 0.1%. If a user wanted to send 1,000 satoshis through this node, he or she would have to pay 2 satoshis to the node (fees on the Lightning Network can be measured in milli-satoshi increments, so the payments can actually be very small).

Lightning rates are generally low because hosting a node is a competitive business. Rates need to be low enough to attract users but high enough to provide some benefit to the host. If they are too low, there may be no reason to run a node; if they are too high, users will likely choose a lower priced node.

Interestingly (and regardless of node fees), by design, the Lightning Network incorporates fees to try to reduce overall fees.

2. Staying online at all times makes nodes vulnerable

Nodes on the Lightning Network must always be online to send and receive payments. Since the parties involved in the transaction must be online and use their private keys to log in, it is possible for coins to be stolen if the computer hosting the node is compromised.

Offline Transaction Risk

Going offline creates a variety of problems on the Lightning Network. According to Dryja, it is possible for one party to a payment channel to close the channel and pocket the funds while the other is absent. This is known as closing the fraudulent channel. There is a deadline for contesting the closure of a channel, but the prolonged absence of one of the parties could cause this deadline to expire.

Malicious attacks

Another risk to the network is congestion caused by a malicious attack. If payment channels become congested and a hack or malicious attack occurs, participants may not be able to recover their money quickly enough due to the congestion.

According to Dryja, “the forced expiration of many transactions may represent the greatest systemic risk when using Lightning Network.”

If an attacker created numerous channels and forced them to expire simultaneously by broadcasting them on the blockchain, the congestion caused could overwhelm the block’s capacity. An attacker could use congestion to steal funds from individuals who are unable to withdraw their funds due to congestion.

3. Bitcoin price fluctuations

The Lightning Network is also expected to herald the viability of Bitcoin as a medium for everyday transactions. Customers are able to open payment channels with companies or people they frequently transact with. For example, they can open payment channels with their landlord or favorite e-commerce store and make transactions using bitcoin.

However, Bitcoin has less popularity as a traditional payment method than as an investment tool. The increase in transaction volume is mainly attributed to an increase in trading volume. In other words, Bitcoin’s popularity among traders and investors increases volatility– or price fluctuations – as well as congesting the network and influencing tariff increases.

Recent Lightning Network Developments

Challenges remain related to Bitcoin’s Lightning Network and its ability to increase scale while reducing transaction fees. However, the core technology team incorporated new use cases and researched additional functionality. As a result, there have been significant developments attempting to improve the network.

Larger payments via Lightning Network

Lightning had initially limited channel size to a maximum of 0.1677 BTC, but in 2020 it was announced that the constraints would be removed so customers could have larger channels. These “Wumbo” channels are designed to increase usage and utility of Lightning Network for consumers and businesses.

Cryptocurrency exchanges

One of the most promising initial use cases involves cryptocurrency exchanges and financial services platforms. For example, Kraken and Block’s Cash App have integrated Lighting Network. In September 2023, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced that the exchange would integrate the Lightning Network. As one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges, this represents a significant development for the network.

Watchtowers

Watchtowers are third parties that work to prevent fraud within the Lightning Network. For example, if Sam and Judy are making a transaction and one of them has malicious intent, they might be able to steal coins from the other participant by closing the channel.

So, let’s say Sam and Judy made an initial deposit of 10,000 BTC and a 3,000 BTC transaction took place where Sam purchased goods from Judy. If Judy logs out of her system, fraud may occur. Sam could pass on the initial state, meaning they both get their initial deposits back as if no transaction had taken place. In other words, Sam would receive 3,000 BTC worth of goods for free.

This process of closing the channel based on the initial state versus the final state in which all transactions were executed is called fraudulent channel closing. The watchtower monitors transactions and prevents fraudulent channel closures by enforcing the closure on the offending party. It transmits a revocation transaction and causes the other party to lose the channel balance.

Is the Lightning Network part of Bitcoin?

The Lightning Network is a layer 2 (a blockchain that assists a primary blockchain) to the Bitcoin blockchain. It was integrated with Bitcoin in 2018.

How do you use the Bitcoin Lightning network?

To complete transactions using the Bitcoin Lightning Network, you will need to use a Lightning-compatible wallet.

How fast is the Bitcoin Lightning network?

The Lightning Network can reportedly process millions of transactions per second. Bitcoin’s main blockchain can process about seven per second.

The bottom line

The Lightning Network is a tool that could make a significant difference to the Bitcoin blockchain. However, the network may not solve all the challenges facing Bitcoin. While improvements are being made, there is the potential for new problems within the cryptocurrency ecosystem because it remains an ever-evolving technology.

The comments, opinions and analyzes expressed on Investopedia are for informational purposes only. Read ours warranty and exclusion of liability for more information.

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We are the editorial team of BlockChainGuardian, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on BlockChainGuardian, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

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Hollywood.ai by FAME King Sheeraz Hasan Promulgates a Complete Ecosystem that Unites Web3, Cryptography, AI and Entertainment for Spectacular Global Tech Innovation

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Hollywood.ai by FAME King Sheeraz Hasan Promulgates a Complete Ecosystem that Unites Web3, Cryptography, AI and Entertainment for Spectacular Global Tech Innovation

The one and only FAME King Sheeraz Hasan is launching Hollywood.ai, a revolutionary platform designed to integrate the cutting-edge realms of Web3, cryptocurrency, AI, finance and entertainment. This revolutionary initiative is set to create a seamless, interactive and intuitive ecosystem where the world’s leading technology luminaries can collaborate on innovations, ultimately redefining the future of digital interaction.

Hollywood.ai represents the convergence of the most complex technologies of all time. Fusing Web3 principles, cryptocurrency utilities, AI advances, and financial machinery, Sheeraz’s platform aims to become the nucleus for innovation and modernization. It provides a high-tech environment where technology and creativity collide harmoniously, paving the way for new paths in the digital economy.

A defining feature of Hollywood.ai is the integration of cryptocurrency into the AI ​​ecosystem, transforming AI into a tokenized asset with full cryptographic utility. Sheeraz’s novel approach presents new avenues to leverage the myriad capabilities of AI in the financial realm, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for developers and users alike. Through the amalgamation of AI and cryptocurrency, Hollywood.ai is paving the way for an incredibly interconnected digital space unlike anything seen before.

The platform’s design emphasizes the undeniable symbiosis between various technology sectors. Under Sheeraz’s careful orchestration, Web3 technologies facilitate decentralized collaboration, while AI tools offer enhanced potential for data analytics, content creation, and audience engagement. Additionally, the inclusion of financial innovations ensures rapid mobility of both monetization and investments, providing a holistic environment that meets the ever-evolving demands of the technology and entertainment segments.

Sheeraz’s Hollywood.ai is poised to become the premier hub for industry leaders, developers, and creators to support and empower the next generation of digital experiences. This initiative aspires to drive the emergence of new tools, applications, and services that set new standards for advanced engagement and interaction.

Known for making the impossible possible, Sheeraz envisions a future where global audiences actively participate in designing the next A-list stars from scratch. Hollywood.ai will allow users to watch their creations evolve from simple concepts to 3D talents that can act, sing and perform just like human actors.

The Hollywood.ai platform leverages AI technology to deliver personalized fan engagement, real-time sentiment analysis, and informed content creation. By combining cutting-edge AI capabilities with Sheeraz’s deep understanding of celebrity branding, Hollywood.ai gains immense control over public figures.

Undeniably, FAME’s number one strategist Sheeraz Hasan continues to cement his reputation as a pioneer in the fields of FAME and technology. The power and influence of this latest development brings him closer to total world domination.

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Online Broker Futu Offers Cryptocurrency Trading in Hong Kong, With Nvidia and Alibaba Stock as Rewards

BlockChainGuardian Staff

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Online Broker Futu Offers Cryptocurrency Trading in Hong Kong, With Nvidia and Alibaba Stock as Rewards

Futu Securities International, Hong Kong’s largest online broker, has launched retail cryptocurrency trading in the city, offering shares of Alibaba Holding Group AND Nvidia as a reward in an attempt to attract investors. Futu has begun allowing Hong Kong residents to trade Bitcoin and ether, the world’s two largest cryptocurrencies, directly on the brokerage platform using Hong Kong or U.S. dollars, the company announced Thursday.

The online retail broker said last month that it had received an upgrade to its securities license from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), allowing Futu to offer virtual asset trading services to both professional and retail clients in the city.

Futu’s move comes as Hong Kong seeks to boost its attractiveness as a business hub for virtual assets, with the city government launching a series of new cryptocurrency policy initiatives over the past two years, including a mandatory licensing regime for cryptocurrency exchanges.

In addition to offering cryptocurrency trading on its flagship brokerage app, Futu is also seeking a cryptocurrency trading license for its new PantherTrade platform. That platform is among 11 in Hong Kong that are currently “deemed licensed” for cryptocurrency trading, an arrangement that allows them to operate in the city while they await full approval from the SFC.

Hong Kong’s progress in becoming a crypto hub has encountered various challenges, including exit of the major global platforms and relatively low trading activity for cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds offered on local stock exchanges.

Futu is now offering a series of incentives to potential investors, amid a cryptocurrency bull market that has seen the price of bitcoin rise 45 percent this year.

Hong Kong investors who open accounts in August and deposit HK$10,000 (US$1,280) over the next 60 days can receive HK$600 worth of bitcoin, a HK$400 supermarket voucher or a single Chinese stock. e-commerce giant Alibaba. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.

By holding 80,000 U.S. dollars for the same period, users can get 1,000 Hong Kong dollars in bitcoin or a share of U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) chip maker Nvidia, whose shares have risen more than 140 percent this year.

A Futu representative said the brokerage firm will also waive cryptocurrency trading fees starting Thursday until further notice.

Futu is the first online brokerage in Hong Kong to allow retail investors to buy cryptocurrency directly on its platform. SFC rules require it to offer this service through a tie-up with a licensed cryptocurrency exchange. Futu is partnering with HashKey Exchange, one of only two licensed exchanges in Hong Kong, according to the representative.

Futu’s local rival Tiger Brokers also said in May that it had begun offering cryptocurrency trading services to professional investors on its platform following a license update. The SFC defines professional investors as those with more than HK$8 million in their investment portfolios or corporate entities with assets exceeding HK$40 million.

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Tech Crash: $2.6 Trillion Market Cap Vanishes as ‘Magnificent 7’ Prices Stumble

BlockChainGuardian Staff

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Tech Crash: $2.6 Trillion Market Cap Vanishes as ‘Magnificent 7’ Prices Stumble

A group of seven megacap tech stocks, often called the Magnificent 7, have lost more than $2.6 trillion in value over the past 20 days, or an average of $125 billion per day over the period. In total, these stocks have lost “three times the value of the entire Brazilian stock market.”

This according to the economic news agency Letter from Kobeissiwho noted on the microblogging platform X (formerly known as Twitter) that the Magnificent 7 batch “is worth as much as Nvidia’s entire current market cap in 20 days,” with Nvidia itself having lost $1 trillion from its high.

Source:Letter from Kobeissi on the X

The group, which includes Nvidia, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta and Tesla, has undergone a significant correction: in the last 20 days Nvidia has lost 23% of its value, or about $800 billion, while Tesla has fallen 19%, losing $164 billion.

Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet and Meta all posted losses of between 9% and 15%, losing between $257 billion and $554 billion in market capitalization, wiping out a total of $200 billion more “than every single German stock market tock combined.”

Tech titans, which have outperformed the broader S&P 500 index since the market bottom of 2022, are now facing a reckoning as investors grow increasingly wary about the sustainability of their meteoric rise, with Nvidia taking the lead soaring 110% since the beginning of the year and over 2,300% in the last five years.

Earnings reports from these companies, starting with Microsoft and culminating with Nvidia in late August, will be closely watched for signs of weakness. Their performance could set the tone for broader market sentiment, with implications for everything from cryptocurrency to other high-risk assets.

Their poor performance comes after a leading macroeconomist, Henrik Zeberg, reiterated his forecast of an impending recession that will be preceded by a final wave in key sectors of the market, but which can potentially be the worst the market has seen since 1929the worst bear market in Wall Street history.

In particular, the Hindenburg Omen, a technical indicator designed to identify potential stock market crashes, began flashing just a month after its previous signal, raising concerns about a possible impending stock market downturn.

The indicator compares the percentage of stocks hitting new 52-week highs and lows to a specific threshold. When the number of stocks hitting both extremes exceeds a certain level, the indicator is said to be triggered, suggesting a greater risk of a crash.

Featured Image via Disinfect.

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Trump Fights for Cryptocurrency Vote at Bitcoin Conference

BlockChainGuardian Staff

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A large conference hall filled with enthusiastic attendees, Bitcoin logos prominently displayed, and a podium with an American flag

To the Bitcoin Conference 2024 In Nashville, Tennessee, former President Donald Trump delivered a keynote speech.

Trump, the Republican presidential candidate, used the platform to appeal to the tech community and solicit donations for the campaign. During the conference, He said:

I promise the Bitcoin community that the day I take the oath of office, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ anti-crypto crusade will be over… If we don’t embrace cryptocurrency and Bitcoin technology, China will, other countries will. They will dominate, and we can’t let China dominate. They are making too much progress as it is.

Trump’s speech focused heavily on cryptocurrency policy, positioning it as a partisan issue. He said that if reelected, he would fire SEC Chairman Gary Gensler on his first day in office, a statement that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. This statement marked a stark contrast to Gensler’s tenure, which has been characterized by rigorous oversight of the cryptocurrency industry.

The former president outlined several pro-crypto initiatives he would undertake if elected. These include transforming the United States into a global cryptocurrency hub, keeping all government-held Bitcoin as a “national Bitcoin reserve,” establishing a presidential advisory council on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, and developing power plants to support cryptocurrency mining, emphasizing the use of fossil fuels.

Trump’s current embrace of cryptocurrencies represents a reversal from his stance in 2021, when described Bitcoin as a “scam against the dollar.” He also noted that his campaign has received $25 million in donations since accepting cryptocurrency payments two months ago.

The event featured other political figures, including Republican Senators Tim Scott and Tommy Tuberville, as well as Democratic Representatives Wiley Nickel and Ro Khanna. Independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also spoke at the conference.

Trump’s appearance at Bitcoin 2024 reflects growing support for his campaign from some tech leaders, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and cryptocurrency entrepreneurs Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.

While Trump has described the current administration as “anti-crypto,” Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel said Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a “forward-thinking approach to digital assets and blockchain technology.”

This event underscores the growing political importance of cryptocurrency policy in the upcoming presidential election.

Kamala Harris and Democrats Respond on Cryptocurrencies

In a strategic move to repair strained relations, Vice President Kamala Harris’ team has initiated a dialogue with major cryptocurrency industry players. This outreach aims to restore the Democratic Party’s stance on digital assets and promote a more collaborative approach.

THE Financial Times reports that Harris’s advisors have reached out to representatives from industry leaders like Coinbase, Circle, and Ripple Labs. This move comes as the cryptocurrency community increasingly supports Republican candidate Donald Trump, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s cryptocurrency policies.

THE disclosure follows a letter from Democratic lawmakers and 2024 candidates urging the party to reevaluate its approach to digital assets. Harris’s team stresses that this effort is less about securing campaign contributions and more about engaging in constructive dialogue to develop sensible regulations.

The move is part of a broader strategy to reshape the Democratic Party’s image among business leaders, countering perceptions of an anti-business stance. Harris’ campaign aims to project a “pro-business, responsible business” message.

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