# Connect a Lightning node

A lightning node can be set up in numerous ways.\
This documentation will not cover the node setup process itself. Instead, it focuses on the next step — connecting BitBanana to your already operational node.

Don’t have a node? Begin [here](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/setup-a-node).

## Connection strategies

BitBanana offers multiple ways to connect to your node. Take a moment to explore the pros and cons of each option before deciding on the best connection strategy for your needs.

* **Clearnet**\
  Clearnet offers fast connectivity, but it exposes your IP address. Additionally, your node’s IP address must remain static, which can be tricky for most users.
* **Tor**\
  Tor offers the highest level of privacy, but its performance can be slow and unreliable, especially during network downtime.\
  A major benefit is that it eliminates the need for a static IP address, as the Tor service handles this for you.\ <mark style="color:green;">--> If privacy is your top priority, Tor is the preferred choice.</mark>
* **VPN: Tailscale or Zerotier**\
  An exciting alternative is using Tailscale or Zerotier, offering the same speed as clearnet without requiring a static IP.\
  These services simulate a local network over the internet, ensuring your traffic is encrypted end-to-end. While even the service providers can’t read your data, they do have access to your IP addresses, making it a little less private choice compared to Tor.\ <mark style="color:green;">--> If user experience is your top priority, this is the preferred choice.</mark>&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
We recommend a VPN solution using Tailscale or Zerotier due to its excellent combination of security, privacy, and usability (speed).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

## Connect&#x20;

Connecting BitBanana with a node is simple.\
You'll just need a connection URI or a QR code that contains one.\
\
The connection URI must be in one of these two formats:

* [lndconnect URI](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/lndconnect-uri)
* [cln-grpc URI](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/clngrpc-uri)

{% hint style="danger" %}
These connection URIs contain all information needed to access the funds of your node / wallet.\
Keep it confidential and do not save or share it anywhere.
{% endhint %}

Next, proceed with the following steps:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open scan view

Tap the QR code scanner icon located on the home screen.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Scan or paste

Scan the QR code or tap the paste button to input the connection URI you copied earlier.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
As the QR-Code might be very dense, some phones won't scan it. Please fall back to copy/paste in these cases.
{% endhint %}

## Detailed connection instructions

How you obtain these connection URIs will vary based on the project you chose to setup your node.\
Here are step-by-step guides for the most popular projects, arranged alphabetically.

[BTCPay](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/btcpay)\
[myNode](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/mynode)\
[nodl](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/nodl)\
[Raspiblitz](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/raspiblitz)\
[Start9](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/start9)\
[Umbrel](https://docs.bitbanana.app/setup/connect-a-lightning-node/umbrel)