Topic: The motivation behind the Lightning Network by Bitmex (Read 113 times)
That is, it turns out that even if the lightning network is introduced into bitcoin, it will not find its wide application because of the low security of its transactions and will be applied, usually for small and insignificant payments. However, these payments will be made quickly and with minimal commissions. Well, at least this is good. At the same time, as far as I understand, there will not be any restriction in the use of this network and for large amounts in such transactions, it will be at the discretion of the person conducting the transaction, or it will nevertheless be applied automatically no higher than some a certain amount?
https://blog.bitmex.com/the-lightning-network/
Abstract: In this piece, we explain the motivation behind the creation of the Lightning Network and why its scaling characteristics are superior to what we have today, potentially resulting in a transformational improvement. We describe some of the basic technical building blocks that make Lightning possible. We then examine some of its limitations, including the downsides of inferior security compared to transacting on-chain and why this makes Lightning potentially unsuitable for larger-value payments.
Conclusion
In our view, the Lightning Network does appear to potentially offer significant and transformational improvements with respect to scalability. Therefore transaction speeds and transaction fee rates should dramatically improve, without impacting the underlying security of the core protocol. Crucially, however, the inferior security properties related to Lightning payments, may make the Lightning Network unsuitable for larger payments (or at least it may be irresponsible to use it for larger payments). Speculation and investment flows, which require these larger payments, currently appear to be the major driving force in the cryptocurrency space, with the volume of small retail payments being relatively small in comparison. Because of that, Lightning may not be as big of a game changer as some imagine, at least in the medium term. While enthusiasts appear likely to adopt this technology quickly, widespread adoption may take considerable time.
Great text about Lightning Network write by the Bitmex Research Team.
Abstract: In this piece, we explain the motivation behind the creation of the Lightning Network and why its scaling characteristics are superior to what we have today, potentially resulting in a transformational improvement. We describe some of the basic technical building blocks that make Lightning possible. We then examine some of its limitations, including the downsides of inferior security compared to transacting on-chain and why this makes Lightning potentially unsuitable for larger-value payments.
Conclusion
In our view, the Lightning Network does appear to potentially offer significant and transformational improvements with respect to scalability. Therefore transaction speeds and transaction fee rates should dramatically improve, without impacting the underlying security of the core protocol. Crucially, however, the inferior security properties related to Lightning payments, may make the Lightning Network unsuitable for larger payments (or at least it may be irresponsible to use it for larger payments). Speculation and investment flows, which require these larger payments, currently appear to be the major driving force in the cryptocurrency space, with the volume of small retail payments being relatively small in comparison. Because of that, Lightning may not be as big of a game changer as some imagine, at least in the medium term. While enthusiasts appear likely to adopt this technology quickly, widespread adoption may take considerable time.
Great text about Lightning Network write by the Bitmex Research Team.
Jump to: