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:

• lndconnect URI

• cln-grpc URI

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:

1

Open scan view

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

2

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