What is Lightning Network?

Lightning Network is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Bitcoin that enables fast, low-cost payments through payment channels. It operates off-chain and only settles on the Bitcoin blockchain when channels are opened or closed.

What is a Lightning Network Guide?

A Lightning Network Guide (LN Guide) is an educational resource that explains how Lightning Network works, including payment channels, HTLC contracts, BOLT standards, and channel management. ln.guide provides a complete bilingual guide in English and Spanish.

How do Lightning payment channels work?

Lightning payment channels are created when two parties lock Bitcoin in a multisig address on the blockchain. They can then exchange unlimited transactions off-chain by updating the channel balance. When either party wants to close the channel, the final balance is settled on-chain.

What are HTLC contracts in Lightning Network?

HTLC (Hash Time-Locked Contracts) are smart contracts that enable trustless routing of payments across multiple Lightning channels. They use cryptographic hashes and time locks to ensure payments either complete successfully or are refunded.

What are BOLT standards?

BOLT (Basis of Lightning Technology) standards are the technical specifications that define how Lightning Network implementations should work. They cover messaging protocols, channel operations, payment routing, and invoice formats.

What are the fees for Lightning Network?

Lightning Network fees are typically less than 1 satoshi per payment for small transactions. Fees are charged by routing nodes and are a tiny fraction of on-chain Bitcoin transaction fees, making micropayments economically viable.

Is Lightning Network safe?

Yes, Lightning Network uses cryptographic security mechanisms including HTLCs (Hash Time-Locked Contracts) and penalty transactions. Funds are secured by the Bitcoin blockchain, and dishonest behavior can result in losing all channel funds.

How fast are Lightning Network payments?

Lightning payments are nearly instant, typically completing in under 1 second. Unlike on-chain Bitcoin transactions that require block confirmations, Lightning payments settle immediately once the route is found.

Can I use Lightning Network without running a node?

Yes, you can use Lightning Network through mobile wallets like Phoenix, Breez, or Wallet of Satoshi without running your own node. These wallets handle channel management automatically, making Lightning accessible to everyone.

Contratos HTLC

Base de Seguridad en Lightning Network

¿Qué es un HTLC?

Un Contrato de Bloqueo por Tiempo con Hash (HTLC) es un mecanismo que permite pagos condicionados en Lightning Network. Requiere presentar la preimagen de un hash antes de una fecha límite; de lo contrario, el pago se revierte.

Componentes clave

Hash y Preimagen

El receptor genera una preimagen secreta y comparte su hash. El pagador bloquea los fondos con ese hash.

Bloqueo por Tiempo

Si el receptor no revela la preimagen a tiempo, el pago caduca y los fondos regresan al emisor.

¿Cómo habilitan los pagos enrutados?

Los HTLC permiten que los pagos atraviesen múltiples canales de pago sin confianza directa entre emisor y receptor. Cada salto ve solo el hash y condiciones temporales, manteniendo la seguridad y privacidad.

Cuando un pago falla o caduca, los mecanismos de cierre de canal aseguran que los fondos regresen de forma segura al emisor.

¿Listo para explorar más?

Aprende sobre los estándares BOLT y cómo definen las especificaciones del protocolo Lightning Network.

Siguiente: Estándares BOLT →

Temas Relacionados

Cómo Funciona Lightning - Visión técnica
Canales de Pago - Apertura y gestión de canales
Cierre de Canales - Cierres y disputas
Estándares BOLT - Especificaciones del protocolo

Contratos HTLC ​

¿Qué es un HTLC? ​

Componentes clave ​