Bitcoin Q&A: Lightning Network scaling

What is the capacity difference between utilizing second layers, like the Lightning Network, and block size increases? Are hard forks harder to execute with the existence of second layers? BCH supporters say that the Lightning Network will not be able to scale, remain decentralised, or be secure. Is that true? How surmountable are each of these challenges? What are the security risks of running a Lightning node, and how many channels should each node open? Why are routing algorithms not part of the BOLT standards?

These questions were part of the monthly live Patreon Q&A session on December 16th 2017 and the (rescheduled) April session on May 5th 2018. If you want early-access to talks and a chance to participate in the monthly live Q&As with Andreas, become a patron: https://www.patreon.com/aantonop

RELATED:
Bitcoin, Lightning, and Streaming Money - https://youtu.be/gF_ZQ_eijPs
The Internet of Money: Five Years Later - https://youtu.be/6xIq0FdmsIA
The Lightning Network - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPQwGV1aLnTurL4wU_y3jOhBi9rrpsYyi
The Lightning Network - https://youtu.be/vPnO9ExJ50A
Lightning's security model - https://youtu.be/_GNsT_ufkec
Misconceptions about the Lightning Network - https://youtu.be/c4TjfaLgzj4
Atomic swaps - https://youtu.be/fNFBA2UmUmg
Running nodes and payment channels - https://youtu.be/ndcfBfE_yoY
What is Segregated Witness (SegWit)? - https://youtu.be/dtOjjB4mD8k
SegWit and fork research - https://youtu.be/OorLoi01KEE

Andreas M. Antonopoulos is a technologist and serial entrepreneur who has become one of the most well-known and respected figures in bitcoin.

Follow on Twitter: @aantonop https://twitter.com/aantonop
Website: https://antonopoulos.com/

He is the author of two books: “Mastering Bitcoin,” published by O’Reilly Media and considered the best technical guide to bitcoin; “The Internet of Money,” a book about why bitcoin matters.

THE INTERNET OF MONEY, v1: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Internet-Money-collection-Andreas-Antonopoulos/dp/1537000454/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

[NEW] THE INTERNET OF MONEY, v2: https://www.amazon.com/Internet-Money-Andreas-M-Antonopoulos/dp/194791006X/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

MASTERING BITCOIN: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mastering-Bitcoin-Unlocking-Digital-Cryptocurrencies/dp/1449374042

[NEW] MASTERING BITCOIN, 2nd Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Bitcoin-Programming-Open-Blockchain/dp/1491954388

Translations of MASTERING BITCOIN: https://bitcoinbook.info/translations-of-mastering-bitcoin/

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