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Lightning Network

Definition

The Lightning Network is a second-layer payment protocol built on top of a blockchain, primarily Bitcoin, to facilitate faster and cheaper transactions. It operates by creating off-chain payment channels between users, allowing multiple transactions to occur without immediate recording on the main blockchain. These channels remain open for a period, aggregating numerous small payments into a single, final on-chain settlement. This architecture significantly improves transactional throughput and reduces fees compared to direct blockchain transactions.