Lightning Network

Architecture

This second-layer payment protocol functions as a decentralized network designed to facilitate high-frequency, low-latency transactions atop the Bitcoin blockchain. By leveraging bidirectional payment channels, the system enables participants to exchange value off-chain while maintaining cryptographic finality anchored to the primary ledger. It effectively decouples high-volume throughput from the capacity constraints of the base layer, allowing for near-instantaneous settlement of small-denominated transfers.