About LN+
Lightning Network Plus (LN+) is a complimentary web application designed to facilitate collaboration among Bitcoin Lightning Network node operators. With LN+, users can effortlessly discover and connect with one another, establish liquidity for their nodes, and enhance the security of their configurations. Additionally, LN+ also features a marketplace where visitors can find stores that accept Lightning payments or actively serve the Lightning Network.
LN+'s 5 main services are explained below:
Liquidity Swaps
Identifying the Problem
When someone establishes a Bitcoin Lightning Network node, they can open channels to other nodes, creating outgoing liquidity that enables them to spend SATs. However, to receive bitcoins via Lightning, they must first spend some bitcoins from their newly opened channels. To receive bitcoins on the Lightning Network, they need another node to open a channel to them with incoming capacity, allowing for funds reception. Moreover, to route SATs and earn routing fees, nodes require ample incoming and outgoing capacity.
Introducing the Solution
LN+ enables users to collaborate and establish liquidity swaps (also known as Rings of Fire). The app guides users through each step, simplifying the process. As a result, users gain incoming liquidity and can double their channel count and capacity without incurring additional costs.
In more detail, LN+ assists node operators in collectively opening channels with one another. Groups of 3 to 5 users connect in a circular arrangement, ensuring that each participant has incoming and outgoing capacity with every other member by opening just a single channel, without duplicated channels between them.
LN+ also offers the option to find partners interested in opening dual-funded channels, allowing two users to create a single, balanced channel with twice the size. With more channels and capacity, users can increase routing fees earned and ensure their nodes remain highly reliable for both sending and receiving payments.
In general, liquidity swaps help people worldwide to easily onboard to the Lightning Network, enhancing its decentralization, robustness, and reliability while reducing dependence on a few large nodes for connectivity.
Watch Swaps
Identifying the Problem
Without a watchtower, if your node is offline for an extended period, a channel partner might attempt a malicious channel closure by force-closing the channel with an outdated, more favorable state (with funds on their side). If your node remains offline beyond the channel closure time lock (ranging from 1 day to 2 weeks depending on settings), you won't be able to contest this malicious closure, potentially receiving fewer on-chain funds than you should in a fair channel closure.
Introducing the Solution
LN+ enables users to collaborate and create watchtower swaps (watch swaps). The app guides users through each step, simplifying the process. Your node will be protected from malicious actors even when offline, at no cost to you, while you protect another node of similar size in return.
With a watchtower client implemented, the watchtower service can contest malicious channel closures on your behalf even if you're offline. Moreover, as per Lightning Network rules, the attacker will be penalized by transferring all channel funds to you, making a successful defense profitable.
It's essential to note that a watchtower service cannot misuse information or steal your funds. They can only issue a punish transaction in case of a breach, with funds directed to you.
In general, having watchtowers running on many nodes protects all nodes through game theory. Potential attackers won't know which nodes have watchtowers or how many, increasing the risk and cost of attacks on offline nodes. These offline nodes can act as honeypots, attracting attackers and then seizing the attacker's funds through punish transactions.
Running a watchtower service requires resources, as your node will receive encrypted versions of the latest channel states from the watched node and monitor the blockchain for malicious transactions.
Since operating a watchtower service consumes resources, avoid publicly sharing your or your watch swap partner's service address, preventing unauthorized connections to the service.
Before participating in watch swaps on LN+, familiarize yourself with watchtowers, watchtower service setup, and watchtower clients. Consult resources such as LND watchtower or The Eye of Satoshi service for CLN. If you're running an Umbrel , the Advanced Settings in your Lightning app contain your watchtower settings.
Node Explorer
Identifying the Problem
With tens of thousands of Bitcoin Lightning Network nodes operated by various entities, it can be challenging to keep track of them, find the right one to connect to, and learn more about them.
Introducing the Solution
LN+'s Bitcoin Lightning Network Node Explorer enables you to browse and search for publicly visible nodes on the network. When users claim their node profiles, you can access information shared by the node operator, such as their Twitter handle, website URL, public posts, swaps, and more.
As a node operator on LN+, you can also promote your node profile to enhance visibility, allowing other node operators to discover your node and establish incoming channels.
Lightning Market
Identifying the Problem
To establish a circular economy based on Bitcoin as a currency and the Lightning Network as a payment rail, people need to earn SATs and spend them on goods and services they require. Bitcoin and the Lightning Network also depend on various services to grow and thrive. However, finding reliable and particularly small businesses can be challenging.
Introducing the Solution
The LN+ Lightning Market is a platform where individuals can promote their goods and services. Users who have experienced the services or purchased goods can rate the providers and post comments. This way, the Lightning Market becomes a hub for discovering reliable and trustworthy Lightning-enabled businesses.
Direct Messages
Identifying the Problem
Contacting Bitcoin Lightning Network node operators can be challenging due to their anonymity or pseudonymity and lack of official contact information. Although LN+ node profiles may include a Twitter link, direct messaging may still be unavailable.
Introducing the Solution
LN+ offers a messaging function between node operators. To send a message to a node operator, simply click the "Message" button on their node profile. Messages can be read online on LN+, and if the recipient has email notifications enabled on their profile, they will also be notified of new incoming messages.