Developers unveil service to create Lightning Network channels

The startup Voltage, building infrastructure for the Bitcoin blockchain, has launched a beta version of Flow. It simplifies the process of creating Lightning Network (LN) channels.

Today we introduce Flow. With Flow, anyone can effortlessly create Lightning channels with others on the network. We are making it quicker than ever to create channels for your own node, or others.

🧵👇 1/4https://t.co/6gGRKUo5Hc

— Voltage (@voltage_cloud) October 26, 2021

Flow uses Lightning Pool from Lightning Labs. The non-custodial peer-to-peer marketplace addresses the liquidity shortage in LN.

Developers propose using the API to create orders in this marketplace. Node operators no longer need to monitor incoming liquidity. They can request and receive a channel of a specified size.

Developers claim that Flow enables acquiring channels from other nodes, rather than from central hubs. Thanks to Sidecar channels, users can connect to some of the best nodes. This could help others in configuring nodes, connecting clients, or providing channels for a reward.

The developers will soon unveil a user interface.

Voltage charges a “small fee” — the amount is not specified. There are no monthly maintenance fees.

Arcane Research analysts forecast that the number of Lightning Network users will exceed 700 million by 2030.

According to analysts at Glassnode, the addition of the ability to receive cryptocurrency donations on Twitter and the legalization of Bitcoin by El Salvador have led to unprecedented momentum in LN metrics.

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