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The 6 different Lightning backends for Alby Hub

• 3 min read
The 6 different Lightning backends for Alby Hub

Alby Hub runs on top of six different lightning backends, which currently are LDK, LND, Greenlight, Phoenixd, Breez SDK and Cashu mints.

Alby Hub prioritizes Interoperability 

This article is for the tech and lightning enthusiasts eager to explore the technical flexibility of Alby Hub. Interoperability is one of the core strengths of the lightning community and a fundamental value for Alby. We've dedicated significant effort to ensure this capability is reflected across all of our products. Every Alby account can be linked with any NWC-enabled lightning wallet, every Alby Browser Extension runs with a lightning funding source of your choice and so does Alby Hub, a new self-custodial lightning wallet. 

LDK - the option for most of us

If you prefer a self-custodial lightning wallet with a lightning address, capable of connecting to every Bitcoin app, your browser, and your smartphone simultaneously, Alby Hub is the ideal choice. Users no longer need to manage isolated wallets and accounts.

Alby Hub includes an integrated Lightning Development Kit (LDK) implementation. Its resource efficiency in terms of storage, memory, and compute allows for the rapid deployment of multiple Hubs on a cloud server, each containing its own lightning network node and Bitcoin onchain wallet, in under 2 minutes.  

LND and Greenlight - the option for the lightning pros

Many lightning node operators rely on LND for bitcoin payments, a lightning network node implementation developed by Lightning Labs in Go. LND is a standalone daemon packed with an extensive set of features. Alby Hub, a powerful yet lightweight application, seamlessly integrates with LND nodes running in server environments or on external hardware devices like those commonly seen with Umbrel and StartOS. Authorization is handled via lndAddress, TLS certificate and a macaroon from the LND node itself.

An alternative is Blockstream Greenlight’s “node in the cloud service”, based on Core Lightning. In this setup, node keys are securely stored on your device, such as your Alby Hub. Blockstream manages access to their node resources through invite codes, so an invite code from them is currently required to link Alby Hub.

Users of both implementations, when connected to an Alby Hub, enjoy enhanced connectivity across web and mobile platforms without the hassle of configuring Tor, firewalls, or browser certificates. Additionally, developers can utilize Alby’s APIs to interact programmatically with their nodes facilitating automation and app integrations. 

Phoenixd, Breez SDK - the option for the software pros

Are you adept at setting up Phoenixd or have Breez SDK API access and don’t want to take care of liquidity management? Explore these options. 

  • Breez SDK: Directly integrated into Alby Hub, it leverages Blockstream's Greenlight "node in the cloud" service.
  • Phoenixd: The server counterpart of the popular Phoenix mobile wallet, it is written in Kotlin and runs natively on Linux, macOS (x86 and ARM), and Windows (WSL), making it an excellent funding source for Alby Hub.

This guide will help you install both applications on a server in under 4 minutes:

Both options provide lightning services, including automatic channel opening, liquidity provision, and routing and are available in the Alby Hub Do-It-Yourself plan, where you run Alby Hub on your own machines. 

By connecting to Phoenixd or the Breez SDK, you gain a lightning address and the ability to receive zaps. Hence Alby Hub expands the range of use cases for lightning wallets, offering users enhanced options and convenience.

Cashu Mints - the option for the curious pros

Cashu is a free and open-source Chaumian ecash protocol for Bitcoin. It allows users to transfer Cashu tokens, which are issued by mint operators. These mints can pay lightning invoices and receive bitcoin payments, and serve as another funding source for your Alby Hub.

To connect a mint, paste the URL of a mint from a page like this. In this screen: This feature is in alpha so use it with care and have fun spending Cashu tokens natively in apps of the bitcoin app ecosystem. If you don’t want to run your own node to try out Alby Hub, connecting a Cashu mint to your Hub, is an attractive option. 

Choose your own funding source in a self-sovereign way

Alby is your companion for lightning payments, both in apps and wherever you go. We aim to cater to your individual preferences. And Alby Hub is the logical next step, a product enabling everybody to enhance their lightning node and wallet with superpowers and ensure interoperability across bitcoin apps and platforms. We hope you enjoy using Alby and give it a try.

Alby Hub is open-source. Any kind of feedback and contribution is appreciated.