Published on: 2021-09-12T23:52:10+00:00
A Lightning Network developer has proposed the use of DNS records for LN nodes to enhance usability. The suggestion is to create DNS records that serve the same purpose as the @host format for defining a connection to an LN node. This would involve assigning an alternate host name for the LN node within a domain and storing the pubkey for the LN node in a DNS record. The goal is to provide an easy and standardized method for users to make connections and channels with LN nodes, particularly in physical settings where QR codes or NFC may not be available.Currently, users can store data into DNS records and ask others to confirm from there, but the proposal suggests standardizing this process through a bLIP to ensure uniformity. By implementing this proposed format, users would be able to find information about a company's LN node in advance and establish connections using familiar formats like ln.example.com. This would provide a more reliable way to open channels to LN nodes and validate the information obtained through the peer-to-peer gossip protocol.Although the centralized nature of DNS root servers poses some limitations, the hierarchical distribution of DNS could complement the peer-to-peer gossip protocol in the long run. While the current system relies on trust, the proposed DNS records could add an extra layer of validation. It is also noted that implementing DNSSEC, which ensures the integrity of DNS records, could further enhance the trustworthiness of the information obtained through DNS.The author acknowledges that the definition of this proposed format could potentially fit better in lnurl-rfc or as part of a BOLT. lnurl-rfc is a specification for encoding Lightning Network-related data in URLs, while BOLT refers to the Lightning Network specifications. The specific categorization for this proposal is yet to be determined.In conclusion, the proposal suggests using DNS records to provide information about LN nodes and facilitate easier connections. While acknowledging the limitations of DNS, the proposal proposes additional security measures such as DNSSEC to mitigate these concerns. The aim is to improve the usability and reliability of LN nodes, complementing the existing peer-to-peer gossip protocol.
Updated on: 2023-07-31T23:47:11.168191+00:00