Lighting Network Year in Review

Nobody can say that 2022 wasn’t a great year for the Lightning Network. The second layer protocol took center stage on multiple occasions throughout the year. Additionally, it hit new milestones along the way. Here are some of the coolest and best moments for the Lightning Network in 2022.

Lighting Network 2022 – Massive Growth

One of the biggest things to happen for the lightning Network is massive growth across all sectors. The network hit new records in terms of value transferred, user base, channels opened, network integrations, and more. All of this growth was driven by a constant desire by developers to improve Bitcoins’ scalability and feature.

Upgrades

This year saw the Lighting Network receive the highly anticipated Taproot upgrade. This update improved the performance of the network and opened the door for other cool features such as more smart contract support. Taproot is seen by many as the first stepping stone toward making the Lightning Network a major contender in the programable blockchain market.

Lightning Network Dapp Statistics – 1ML

Lighting Network – El Salvador

The crypto world cheered when El Salvador announced that Bitcoin would be recognized as a legal tender. The initiative began as a bit of a tourist attraction with a beach. However, it quickly became a national movement that culminated in every citizen receiving a Lighting Network-enabled Bitcoin wallet and $60 in Bitcoin.

This year El Salvador announced it will expand its Lightning payment-friendly commercial and tourist zones. Policymakers put aside funding for the development alongside funds earmarked for furthering blockchain education in the nation.

Mobile Payments

The Lightning Network also secures more payment processing integration. Lemon Cash and Blocktank added Lighting Network payments to their features alongside a host of other networks. The Lightning Network is perfect for these options because of its high performance and low costs.

Off-Chain payments

Another interesting development was the introduction of off-chain payment support. This feature was designed for people who use their tablets for crypto transactions. It enables users to spend their crypto even without any connectivity. Once the device is connected the payments register.

Bitcoin-Backed Dollars

The Lightning Network also saw its first foray into the stablecoin market with the introduction of Bitcoin-backed dollars. The project uses the Lightning Network to support an algorithmic stablecoin backed by Bitcoin. The system has the potential to change the algorithmic stablecoin market as Bitcoin is considered the ideal asset by many.

FED Comments  on Lightning Network

Another cool thing that happened for the community this year is a report put out by the FED highlighting how the Lightingnetwork improves Bitcoins’ performance. The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s study, “The Lightning Network: Turning Bitcoin into Money” explained the many benefits of the off-chain protocol.

2023 will Be Even Better

Despite all the amazing accomplishments this year held, it’s safe to assume that next year will be even more exemplary for the network. The Lightning Network is reaching new peaks and notoriety daily. In the coming year, there is a good chance the network integrates into more nations and systems which will drive adoption further.