| latest-revision | original-author | created | status | title | contributors | type | description | discussions-to | category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019-01-27T00:00:00.000Z |
Ryan Shea (ryan-shea) |
2019-01-01T00:00:00.000Z |
Accepted |
Node |
Ryan Shea (ryan-shea); Gareth James (gjradar) |
article |
GitHub URL |
lightning-basics |
A node is an entity on the Lightning Network that is able to connect to other nodes by establishing a payment channel. Users can create a node by running an implementation of Lightning Network software, either directly or as part of pre-packaged wallet software.
This should not be confused with a Bitcoin full node that validates Bitcoin blocks, although a full node's wallet may also be simultaneously used as a Lightning node to the advantage of the Lightning network user.
Routing node is another term for a hub. A functional routing node requires high uptime and strong connectivity to other nodes in order to facilitate consistent, reliable and economic routing. Routing nodes have the ability to charge fees for passing traffic through to the remainder of the route.