A Florida-based startup called LNMesh is pioneering Bitcoin Lightning Network transactions in situations where internet access is unavailable.
A Florida-based startup called LNMesh is pioneering Bitcoin Lightning Network transactions in situations where internet access is unavailable. LNMesh utilizes local “mesh networks,” enabling Bitcoin payments to be made offline.
This innovation is particularly valuable in scenarios where traditional internet access is unreliable or nonexistent, such as in the aftermath of natural disasters or remote regions with limited connectivity.
Mesh networks are decentralized communication networks that connect devices directly to each other via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, creating a local network independent of the internet. LNMesh leverages this concept to establish a local Lightning Network, a faster and more cost-effective layer built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain.
What sets LNMesh apart is that it doesn’t require modifications to the existing Lightning Network protocol or code. Instead, the project’s team deployed a network of Bitcoin and Lightning nodes using low-cost Raspberry Pi computers, a popular choice among Bitcoin enthusiasts for running nodes. These nodes were distributed throughout their university campus and connected via a local mesh network utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
The experiments conducted by LNMesh researchers demonstrated that Lightning payments could be successfully sent between nodes using this offline approach. Since Lightning payments are off-chain, they don’t rely on the Bitcoin blockchain, allowing for offline settlement.
While the concept of offline Bitcoin transactions is promising, there are challenges to overcome. One significant issue is efficiently coordinating the opening of channels between users. LNMesh is exploring methods to analyze users’ daily mobility patterns to determine the best channels to open, but further automation may be necessary for practical use.
LNMesh‘s breakthrough opens the door for Bitcoin to be used in situations where internet access is limited or unavailable, providing a lifeline for those who rely on digital currency even when the digital world goes offline.
The startup is committed to open-source development, making its code and research findings available for others to explore and build upon. This openness could usher in a new era of decentralized offline payments, offering greater accessibility and resilience to Bitcoin users worldwide.