Connect a 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.

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. --> If privacy is your top priority, Tor is the preferred choice.
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. --> If user experience is your top priority, this is the preferred choice.

We recommend a VPN solution using Tailscale or Zerotier due to its excellent combination of security, privacy, and usability (speed).

Connect

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:

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.

Next, proceed with the following steps:

Open scan view

Tap the QR code scanner icon located on the home screen.

Scan or paste

Scan the QR code or tap the paste button to input the connection URI you copied earlier.

As the QR-Code might be very dense, some phones won't scan it. Please fall back to copy/paste in these cases.

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 myNode nodl Raspiblitz Start9 Umbrel

Last updated 1 day ago

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. --> If privacy is your top priority, Tor is the preferred choice.

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. --> If user experience is your top priority, this is the preferred choice.

We recommend a VPN solution using Tailscale or Zerotier due to its excellent combination of security, privacy, and usability (speed).

Connect

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:

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.

Next, proceed with the following steps:

Open scan view

Tap the QR code scanner icon located on the home screen.

Scan or paste

Scan the QR code or tap the paste button to input the connection URI you copied earlier.

As the QR-Code might be very dense, some phones won't scan it. Please fall back to copy/paste in these cases.