Lightning Network Integration

Overview

The Lightning Network implementation in Anya Core provides a production-ready solution for instant, low-cost Bitcoin payments through bidirectional payment channels.

Features

  • Instant Transactions: Near-instantaneous Bitcoin payments
  • Low Fees: Minimal transaction costs
  • Channel Management: Automated channel opening, closing, and rebalancing
  • BOLT Standard Compliance: Full compatibility with Lightning Network specifications
  • Invoice Support: BOLT-11 invoice generation and payment
  • Watchtower Integration: Enhanced security through third-party monitoring

Configuration

use anya_core::layer2::lightning::{LightningConfig, LightningNetwork};

let config = LightningConfig {
    network: "mainnet".to_string(),
    node_url: "localhost:10009".to_string(),
    macaroon: "your_macaroon_hex".to_string(),
    cert: "your_tls_cert_base64".to_string(),
};

let lightning = LightningNetwork::new(config);

Usage

Basic Operations

use anya_core::layer2::{Layer2Protocol, lightning::LightningNetwork};

#[tokio::main]
async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
    let lightning = LightningNetwork::new(LightningNetwork::default());

    // Initialize the Lightning Network connection
    lightning.initialize().await?;
    lightning.connect().await?;

    // Check network state
    let state = lightning.get_state().await?;
    println!("Lightning Network State: {:?}", state);

    Ok(())
}

Payment Operations

// Submit a Lightning payment
let payment_data = b"lightning_payment_request";
let payment_id = lightning.submit_transaction(payment_data).await?;

// Check payment status
let status = lightning.check_transaction_status(&payment_id).await?;
println!("Payment status: {:?}", status);

Channel Management

use anya_core::layer2::lightning::{LightningChannel, ChannelState};

// The Lightning implementation automatically manages channels
// Get current channel information through the protocol state
let state = lightning.get_state().await?;
println!("Active channels: {}", state.connections);

API Reference

LightningNetwork

The main Lightning Network protocol implementation.

Methods

  • new(config: LightningConfig) -> Self: Create a new Lightning protocol instance with custom configuration
  • default() -> Self: Create a new Lightning protocol instance with default configuration
  • All methods from Layer2Protocol trait

LightningConfig

Configuration structure for Lightning Network settings.

Fields

  • network: String: Network type ("mainnet", "testnet", "regtest")
  • node_url: String: Lightning node RPC endpoint
  • macaroon: String: Macaroon for authentication (hex encoded)
  • cert: String: TLS certificate (base64 encoded)
  • auto_pilot: bool: Enable automatic channel management
  • watchtower_enabled: bool: Enable watchtower services
  • min_channel_capacity: u64: Minimum channel capacity in satoshis
  • fee_rate: u64: Default fee rate for transactions

LightningChannel

Represents a Lightning Network payment channel.

Fields

  • channel_id: String: Unique channel identifier
  • capacity: u64: Channel capacity in satoshis
  • local_balance: u64: Local balance in the channel
  • remote_balance: u64: Remote balance in the channel
  • active: bool: Channel active status
  • private: bool: Whether the channel is private

Security Considerations

Channel Security

  1. Backup Channel State: Always maintain up-to-date channel backups
  2. Watchtower Services: Use watchtower services for offline protection
  3. Force Close: Understand the implications of force-closing channels

Key Management

  1. Secure Storage: Store Lightning keys in secure hardware when possible
  2. Regular Backups: Backup channel states and seed phrases
  3. Access Control: Limit access to Lightning node interfaces

Best Practices

Channel Management

  1. Balanced Channels: Maintain balanced inbound/outbound liquidity
  2. Channel Size: Use appropriate channel sizes for your use case
  3. Fee Management: Set competitive fees for routing
  4. Regular Monitoring: Monitor channel health and liquidity

Performance Optimization

  1. Connection Management: Maintain stable connections to well-connected peers
  2. Route Optimization: Use efficient routing algorithms
  3. Liquidity Management: Implement automated liquidity management

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

  1. Connection Failures: Check network connectivity and node status
  2. Channel Funding: Ensure sufficient on-chain funds for channel creation
  3. Payment Failures: Verify route availability and liquidity
  4. Sync Issues: Allow time for blockchain synchronization

Debugging

Enable detailed logging for debugging:

// The Lightning implementation includes comprehensive logging
// Check logs for detailed error information and troubleshooting

Examples

Complete Payment Flow

use anya_core::layer2::{Layer2Protocol, lightning::LightningProtocol};
use anya_core::layer2::{AssetTransfer, TransactionStatus};

#[tokio::main]
async fn main() -> Result<(), Box<dyn std::error::Error>> {
    let lightning = LightningProtocol::new();

    // Initialize and connect
    lightning.initialize().await?;
    lightning.connect().await?;

    // Prepare transfer
    let transfer = AssetTransfer {
        asset_id: "BTC".to_string(),
        amount: 1000, // 1000 satoshis
        from: "source_node".to_string(),
        to: "destination_node".to_string(),
        recipient: "destination_node".to_string(),
        metadata: Some("Lightning payment".to_string()),
    };

    // Execute transfer
    let result = lightning.transfer_asset(transfer).await?;
    println!("Transfer completed: {:?}", result);

    // Monitor transaction
    let status = lightning.check_transaction_status(&result.tx_id).await?;
    assert_eq!(status, TransactionStatus::Confirmed);

    Ok(())
}

References