33 sats \ 0 replies \ @random_ 9 Sep \ on: Can someone explain the need for channels in a lightning node? lightning
The channel is the vehicle by which the bitcoin is sent on the Lightning Network. It is quintessential to the "network" aspect.
Channels serve the purpose of condensing an unlimited number of "payments" between two individuals into just two onchain "transactions". One to fund the channel and one to close it. Payments over channels also circumvent the ten minute blocktime (although one does have to wait for the channel to open).