# BOLT #2: Peer Protocol for Channel Management
The peer channel protocol has three phases: establishment, normal
operation, and closing.
# Table of Contents
* [Channel](#channel)
* [Definition of `channel_id`](#definition-of-channel_id)
* [Channel Establishment](#channel-establishment)
* [The `open_channel` Message](#the-open_channel-message)
* [The `accept_channel` Message](#the-accept_channel-message)
* [The `funding_created` Message](#the-funding_created-message)
* [The `funding_signed` Message](#the-funding_signed-message)
* [The `funding_locked` Message](#the-funding_locked-message)
* [Channel Close](#channel-close)
* [Closing Initiation: `shutdown`](#closing-initiation-shutdown)
* [Closing Negotiation: `closing_signed`](#closing-negotiation-closing_signed)
* [Normal Operation](#normal-operation)
* [Forwarding HTLCs](#forwarding-htlcs)
* [`cltv_expiry_delta` Selection](#cltv_expiry_delta-selection)
* [Adding an HTLC: `update_add_htlc`](#adding-an-htlc-update_add_htlc)
* [Removing an HTLC: `update_fulfill_htlc`, `update_fail_htlc`, and `update_fail_malformed_htlc`](#removing-an-htlc-update_fulfill_htlc-update_fail_htlc-and-update_fail_malformed_htlc)
* [Committing Updates So Far: `commitment_signed`](#committing-updates-so-far-commitment_signed)
* [Completing the Transition to the Updated State: `revoke_and_ack`](#completing-the-transition-to-the-updated-state-revoke_and_ack)
* [Updating Fees: `update_fee`](#updating-fees-update_fee)
* [Message Retransmission: `channel_reestablish` message](#message-retransmission)
* [Authors](#authors)
# Channel
## Definition of `channel_id`
Some messages use a `channel_id` to identify the channel. It's
derived from the funding transaction by combining the `funding_txid`
and the `funding_output_index`, using big-endian exclusive-OR
(i.e. `funding_output_index` alters the last 2 bytes).
Prior to channel establishment, a `temporary_channel_id` is used,
which is a random nonce.
Note that as duplicate `temporary_channel_id`s may exist from different
peers, APIs which reference channels by their channel id before the funding
transaction is created are inherently unsafe. The only protocol-provided
identifier for a channel before funding_created has been exchanged is the
(source_node_id, destination_node_id, temporary_channel_id) tuple. Note that
any such APIs which reference channels by their channel id before the funding
transaction is confirmed are also not persistent - until you know the script
pubkey corresponding to the funding output nothing prevents duplicative channel
ids.
## Channel Establishment
After authenticating and initializing a connection ([BOLT #8](08-transport.md)
and [BOLT #1](01-messaging.md#the-init-message), respectively), channel establishment may begin.
This consists of the funding node (funder) sending an `open_channel` message,
followed by the responding node (fundee) sending `accept_channel`. With the
channel parameters locked in, the funder is able to create the funding
transaction and both versions of the commitment transaction, as described in
[BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#bolt-3-bitcoin-transaction-and-script-formats).
The funder then sends the outpoint of the funding output with the `funding_created`
message, along with the signature for the fundee's version of the commitment
transaction. Once the fundee learns the funding outpoint, it's able to
generate the signature for the funder's version of the commitment transaction and send it
over using the `funding_signed` message.
Once the channel funder receives the `funding_signed` message, it
must broadcast the funding transaction to the Bitcoin network. After
the `funding_signed` message is sent/received, both sides should wait
for the funding transaction to enter the blockchain and reach the
specified depth (number of confirmations). After both sides have sent
the `funding_locked` message, the channel is established and can begin
normal operation. The `funding_locked` message includes information
that will be used to construct channel authentication proofs.
+-------+ +-------+
| |--(1)--- open_channel ----->| |
| |<-(2)-- accept_channel -----| |
| | | |
| A |--(3)-- funding_created --->| B |
| |<-(4)-- funding_signed -----| |
| | | |
| |--(5)--- funding_locked ---->| |
| |<-(6)--- funding_locked -----| |
+-------+ +-------+
- where node A is 'funder' and node B is 'fundee'
If this fails at any stage, or if one node decides the channel terms
offered by the other node are not suitable, the channel establishment
fails.
Note that multiple channels can operate in parallel, as all channel
messages are identified by either a `temporary_channel_id` (before the
funding transaction is created) or a `channel_id` (derived from the
funding transaction).
### The `open_channel` Message
This message contains information about a node and indicates its
desire to set up a new channel. This is the first step toward creating
the funding transaction and both versions of the commitment transaction.
1. type: 32 (`open_channel`)
2. data:
* [`chain_hash`:`chain_hash`]
* [`32*byte`:`temporary_channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`funding_satoshis`]
* [`u64`:`push_msat`]
* [`u64`:`dust_limit_satoshis`]
* [`u64`:`max_htlc_value_in_flight_msat`]
* [`u64`:`channel_reserve_satoshis`]
* [`u64`:`htlc_minimum_msat`]
* [`u32`:`feerate_per_kw`]
* [`u16`:`to_self_delay`]
* [`u16`:`max_accepted_htlcs`]
* [`point`:`funding_pubkey`]
* [`point`:`revocation_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`payment_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`delayed_payment_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`htlc_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`first_per_commitment_point`]
* [`byte`:`channel_flags`]
* [`open_channel_tlvs`:`tlvs`]
1. `tlv_stream`: `open_channel_tlvs`
2. types:
1. type: 0 (`upfront_shutdown_script`)
2. data:
* [`...*byte`:`shutdown_scriptpubkey`]
1. type: 1 (`channel_type`)
2. data:
* [`...*byte`:`type`]
The `chain_hash` value denotes the exact blockchain that the opened channel will
reside within. This is usually the genesis hash of the respective blockchain.
The existence of the `chain_hash` allows nodes to open channels
across many distinct blockchains as well as have channels within multiple
blockchains opened to the same peer (if it supports the target chains).
The `temporary_channel_id` is used to identify this channel on a per-peer basis until the
funding transaction is established, at which point it is replaced
by the `channel_id`, which is derived from the funding transaction.
`funding_satoshis` is the amount the sender is putting into the
channel. `push_msat` is an amount of initial funds that the sender is
unconditionally giving to the receiver. `dust_limit_satoshis` is the
threshold below which outputs should not be generated for this node's
commitment or HTLC transactions (i.e. HTLCs below this amount plus
HTLC transaction fees are not enforceable on-chain). This reflects the
reality that tiny outputs are not considered standard transactions and
will not propagate through the Bitcoin network. `channel_reserve_satoshis`
is the minimum amount that the other node is to keep as a direct
payment. `htlc_minimum_msat` indicates the smallest value HTLC this
node will accept.
`max_htlc_value_in_flight_msat` is a cap on total value of outstanding
HTLCs, which allows a node to limit its exposure to HTLCs; similarly,
`max_accepted_htlcs` limits the number of outstanding HTLCs the other
node can offer.
`feerate_per_kw` indicates the initial fee rate in satoshi per 1000-weight
(i.e. 1/4 the more normally-used 'satoshi per 1000 vbytes') that this
side will pay for commitment and HTLC transactions, as described in
[BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#fee-calculation) (this can be adjusted
later with an `update_fee` message).
`to_self_delay` is the number of blocks that the other node's to-self
outputs must be delayed, using `OP_CHECKSEQUENCEVERIFY` delays; this
is how long it will have to wait in case of breakdown before redeeming
its own funds.
`funding_pubkey` is the public key in the 2-of-2 multisig script of
the funding transaction output.
The various `_basepoint` fields are used to derive unique
keys as described in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#key-derivation) for each commitment
transaction. Varying these keys ensures that the transaction ID of
each commitment transaction is unpredictable to an external observer,
even if one commitment transaction is seen; this property is very
useful for preserving privacy when outsourcing penalty transactions to
third parties.
`first_per_commitment_point` is the per-commitment point to be used
for the first commitment transaction,
Only the least-significant bit of `channel_flags` is currently
defined: `announce_channel`. This indicates whether the initiator of
the funding flow wishes to advertise this channel publicly to the
network, as detailed within [BOLT #7](07-routing-gossip.md#bolt-7-p2p-node-and-channel-discovery).
The `shutdown_scriptpubkey` allows the sending node to commit to where
funds will go on mutual close, which the remote node should enforce
even if a node is compromised later.
The `option_support_large_channel` is a feature used to let everyone
know this node will accept `funding_satoshis` greater than or equal to 2^24.
Since it's broadcast in the `node_announcement` message other nodes can use it to identify peers
willing to accept large channel even before exchanging the `init` message with them.
#### Defined Channel Types
Channel types are an explicit enumeration: for convenience of future
definitions they reuse even feature bits, but they are not an
arbitrary combination (they represent the persistent features which
affect the channel operation).
The currently defined types are:
- no features (no bits set)
- `option_static_remotekey` (bit 12)
- `option_anchor_outputs` and `option_static_remotekey` (bits 20 and 12)
- `option_anchors_zero_fee_htlc_tx` and `option_static_remotekey` (bits 22 and 12)
#### Requirements
The sending node:
- MUST ensure the `chain_hash` value identifies the chain it wishes to open the channel within.
- MUST ensure `temporary_channel_id` is unique from any other channel ID with the same peer.
- if both nodes advertised `option_support_large_channel`:
- MAY set `funding_satoshis` greater than or equal to 2^24 satoshi.
- otherwise:
- MUST set `funding_satoshis` to less than 2^24 satoshi.
- MUST set `push_msat` to equal or less than 1000 * `funding_satoshis`.
- MUST set `funding_pubkey`, `revocation_basepoint`, `htlc_basepoint`, `payment_basepoint`, and `delayed_payment_basepoint` to valid secp256k1 pubkeys in compressed format.
- MUST set `first_per_commitment_point` to the per-commitment point to be used for the initial commitment transaction, derived as specified in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#per-commitment-secret-requirements).
- MUST set `channel_reserve_satoshis` greater than or equal to `dust_limit_satoshis`.
- MUST set undefined bits in `channel_flags` to 0.
- if both nodes advertised the `option_upfront_shutdown_script` feature:
- MUST include `upfront_shutdown_script` with either a valid `shutdown_scriptpubkey` as required by `shutdown` `scriptpubkey`, or a zero-length `shutdown_scriptpubkey` (ie. `0x0000`).
- otherwise:
- MAY include `upfront_shutdown_script`.
- if it includes `open_channel_tlvs`:
- MUST include `upfront_shutdown_script`.
- if `option_channel_type` is negotiated:
- MUST set `channel_type`
- if it includes `channel_type`:
- MUST set it to a defined type representing the type it wants.
- MUST use the smallest bitmap possible to represent the channel type.
- SHOULD NOT set it to a type containing a feature which was not negotiated.
The sending node SHOULD:
- set `to_self_delay` sufficient to ensure the sender can irreversibly spend a commitment transaction output, in case of misbehavior by the receiver.
- set `feerate_per_kw` to at least the rate it estimates would cause the transaction to be immediately included in a block.
- set `dust_limit_satoshis` to a sufficient value to allow commitment transactions to propagate through the Bitcoin network.
- set `htlc_minimum_msat` to the minimum value HTLC it's willing to accept from this peer.
The receiving node MUST:
- ignore undefined bits in `channel_flags`.
- if the connection has been re-established after receiving a previous
`open_channel`, BUT before receiving a `funding_created` message:
- accept a new `open_channel` message.
- discard the previous `open_channel` message.
The receiving node MAY fail the channel if:
- `option_channel_type` was negotiated but the message doesn't include a `channel_type`
- `announce_channel` is `false` (`0`), yet it wishes to publicly announce the channel.
- `funding_satoshis` is too small.
- it considers `htlc_minimum_msat` too large.
- it considers `max_htlc_value_in_flight_msat` too small.
- it considers `channel_reserve_satoshis` too large.
- it considers `max_accepted_htlcs` too small.
- it considers `dust_limit_satoshis` too large.
The receiving node MUST fail the channel if:
- the `chain_hash` value is set to a hash of a chain that is unknown to the receiver.
- `push_msat` is greater than `funding_satoshis` * 1000.
- `to_self_delay` is unreasonably large.
- `max_accepted_htlcs` is greater than 483.
- it considers `feerate_per_kw` too small for timely processing or unreasonably large.
- `funding_pubkey`, `revocation_basepoint`, `htlc_basepoint`, `payment_basepoint`, or `delayed_payment_basepoint`
are not valid secp256k1 pubkeys in compressed format.
- `dust_limit_satoshis` is greater than `channel_reserve_satoshis`.
- `dust_limit_satoshis` is smaller than `354 satoshis` (see [BOLT 3](03-transactions.md#dust-limits)).
- the funder's amount for the initial commitment transaction is not sufficient for full [fee payment](03-transactions.md#fee-payment).
- both `to_local` and `to_remote` amounts for the initial commitment transaction are less than or equal to `channel_reserve_satoshis` (see [BOLT 3](03-transactions.md#commitment-transaction-outputs)).
- `funding_satoshis` is greater than or equal to 2^24 and the receiver does not support `option_support_large_channel`.
- It supports `channel_type`, `channel_type` was set, and the `type` is not suitable.
The receiving node MUST NOT:
- consider funds received, using `push_msat`, to be received until the funding transaction has reached sufficient depth.
#### Rationale
The requirement for `funding_satoshis` to be less than 2^24 satoshi was a temporary self-imposed limit while implementations were not yet considered stable, it can be lifted by advertising `option_support_large_channel`.
The *channel reserve* is specified by the peer's `channel_reserve_satoshis`: 1% of the channel total is suggested. Each side of a channel maintains this reserve so it always has something to lose if it were to try to broadcast an old, revoked commitment transaction. Initially, this reserve may not be met, as only one side has funds; but the protocol ensures that there is always progress toward meeting this reserve, and once met, it is maintained.
The sender can unconditionally give initial funds to the receiver using a non-zero `push_msat`, but even in this case we ensure that the funder has sufficient remaining funds to pay fees and that one side has some amount it can spend (which also implies there is at least one non-dust output). Note that, like any other on-chain transaction, this payment is not certain until the funding transaction has been confirmed sufficiently (with a danger of double-spend until this occurs) and may require a separate method to prove payment via on-chain confirmation.
The `feerate_per_kw` is generally only of concern to the sender (who pays the fees), but there is also the fee rate paid by HTLC transactions; thus, unreasonably large fee rates can also penalize the recipient.
Separating the `htlc_basepoint` from the `payment_basepoint` improves security: a node needs the secret associated with the `htlc_basepoint` to produce HTLC signatures for the protocol, but the secret for the `payment_basepoint` can be in cold storage.
The requirement that `channel_reserve_satoshis` is not considered dust
according to `dust_limit_satoshis` eliminates cases where all outputs
would be eliminated as dust. The similar requirements in
`accept_channel` ensure that both sides' `channel_reserve_satoshis`
are above both `dust_limit_satoshis`.
The receiver should not accept large `dust_limit_satoshis`, as this could be
used in griefing attacks, where the peer publishes its commitment with a lot
of dust htlcs, which effectively become miner fees.
Details for how to handle a channel failure can be found in [BOLT 5:Failing a Channel](05-onchain.md#failing-a-channel).
### The `accept_channel` Message
This message contains information about a node and indicates its
acceptance of the new channel. This is the second step toward creating the
funding transaction and both versions of the commitment transaction.
1. type: 33 (`accept_channel`)
2. data:
* [`32*byte`:`temporary_channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`dust_limit_satoshis`]
* [`u64`:`max_htlc_value_in_flight_msat`]
* [`u64`:`channel_reserve_satoshis`]
* [`u64`:`htlc_minimum_msat`]
* [`u32`:`minimum_depth`]
* [`u16`:`to_self_delay`]
* [`u16`:`max_accepted_htlcs`]
* [`point`:`funding_pubkey`]
* [`point`:`revocation_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`payment_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`delayed_payment_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`htlc_basepoint`]
* [`point`:`first_per_commitment_point`]
* [`accept_channel_tlvs`:`tlvs`]
1. `tlv_stream`: `accept_channel_tlvs`
2. types:
1. type: 0 (`upfront_shutdown_script`)
2. data:
* [`...*byte`:`shutdown_scriptpubkey`]
1. type: 1 (`channel_type`)
2. data:
* [`...*byte`:`type`]
#### Requirements
The `temporary_channel_id` MUST be the same as the `temporary_channel_id` in
the `open_channel` message.
The sender:
- SHOULD set `minimum_depth` to a number of blocks it considers reasonable to
avoid double-spending of the funding transaction.
- MUST set `channel_reserve_satoshis` greater than or equal to `dust_limit_satoshis` from the `open_channel` message.
- MUST set `dust_limit_satoshis` less than or equal to `channel_reserve_satoshis` from the `open_channel` message.
- if it sets `channel_type`:
- MUST set it to the `channel_type` from `open_channel`
The receiver:
- if `minimum_depth` is unreasonably large:
- MAY reject the channel.
- if `channel_reserve_satoshis` is less than `dust_limit_satoshis` within the `open_channel` message:
- MUST reject the channel.
- if `channel_reserve_satoshis` from the `open_channel` message is less than `dust_limit_satoshis`:
- MUST reject the channel.
- if `channel_type` is set, and `channel_type` was set in `open_channel`, and they are not equal types:
- MUST reject the channel.
Other fields have the same requirements as their counterparts in `open_channel`.
### The `funding_created` Message
This message describes the outpoint which the funder has created for
the initial commitment transactions. After receiving the peer's
signature, via `funding_signed`, it will broadcast the funding transaction.
1. type: 34 (`funding_created`)
2. data:
* [`32*byte`:`temporary_channel_id`]
* [`sha256`:`funding_txid`]
* [`u16`:`funding_output_index`]
* [`signature`:`signature`]
#### Requirements
The sender MUST set:
- `temporary_channel_id` the same as the `temporary_channel_id` in the `open_channel` message.
- `funding_txid` to the transaction ID of a non-malleable transaction,
- and MUST NOT broadcast this transaction.
- `funding_output_index` to the output number of that transaction that corresponds the funding transaction output, as defined in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#funding-transaction-output).
- `signature` to the valid signature using its `funding_pubkey` for the initial commitment transaction, as defined in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#commitment-transaction).
The sender:
- when creating the funding transaction:
- SHOULD use only BIP141 (Segregated Witness) inputs.
- SHOULD ensure the funding transaction confirms in the next 2016 blocks.
The recipient:
- if `signature` is incorrect OR non-compliant with LOW-S-standard rule[LOWS](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/6769):
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
#### Rationale
The `funding_output_index` can only be 2 bytes, since that's how it's packed into the `channel_id` and used throughout the gossip protocol. The limit of 65535 outputs should not be overly burdensome.
A transaction with all Segregated Witness inputs is not malleable, hence the funding transaction recommendation.
The funder may use CPFP on a change output to ensure that the funding transaction confirms before 2016 blocks,
otherwise the fundee may forget that channel.
### The `funding_signed` Message
This message gives the funder the signature it needs for the first
commitment transaction, so it can broadcast the transaction knowing that funds
can be redeemed, if need be.
This message introduces the `channel_id` to identify the channel. It's derived from the funding transaction by combining the `funding_txid` and the `funding_output_index`, using big-endian exclusive-OR (i.e. `funding_output_index` alters the last 2 bytes).
1. type: 35 (`funding_signed`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`signature`:`signature`]
#### Requirements
Both peers:
- if `channel_type` was present in both `open_channel` and `accept_channel`:
- This is the `channel_type` (they must be equal, required above)
- otherwise:
- if `option_anchors_zero_fee_htlc_tx` was negotiated:
- the `channel_type` is `option_anchors_zero_fee_htlc_tx` and `option_static_remotekey` (bits 22 and 12)
- otherwise, if `option_anchor_outputs` was negotiated:
- the `channel_type` is `option_anchor_outputs` and `option_static_remotekey` (bits 20 and 12)
- otherwise, if `option_static_remotekey` was negotiated:
- the `channel_type` is `option_static_remotekey` (bit 12)
- otherwise:
- the `channel_type` is empty
- MUST use that `channel_type` for all commitment transactions.
The sender MUST set:
- `channel_id` by exclusive-OR of the `funding_txid` and the `funding_output_index` from the `funding_created` message.
- `signature` to the valid signature, using its `funding_pubkey` for the initial commitment transaction, as defined in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#commitment-transaction).
The recipient:
- if `signature` is incorrect OR non-compliant with LOW-S-standard rule[LOWS](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/6769):
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- MUST NOT broadcast the funding transaction before receipt of a valid `funding_signed`.
- on receipt of a valid `funding_signed`:
- SHOULD broadcast the funding transaction.
#### Rationale
We decide on `option_static_remotekey`, `option_anchor_outputs` or
`option_anchors_zero_fee_htlc_tx` at this point when we first have to generate
the commitment transaction. The feature bits that were communicated in the
`init` message exchange for the current connection determine the channel
commitment format for the total lifetime of the channel. Even if a later
reconnection does not negotiate this parameter, this channel will continue to
use `option_static_remotekey`, `option_anchor_outputs` or
`option_anchors_zero_fee_htlc_tx`; we don't support "downgrading".
`option_anchors_zero_fee_htlc_tx` is considered superior to
`option_anchor_outputs`, which again is considered superior to
`option_static_remotekey`, and the superior one is favored if more than one
is negotiated.
### The `funding_locked` Message
This message indicates that the funding transaction has reached the `minimum_depth` asked for in `accept_channel`. Once both nodes have sent this, the channel enters normal operating mode.
1. type: 36 (`funding_locked`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`point`:`next_per_commitment_point`]
#### Requirements
The sender MUST:
- NOT send `funding_locked` unless outpoint of given by `funding_txid` and
`funding_output_index` in the `funding_created` message pays exactly `funding_satoshis` to the scriptpubkey specified in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#funding-transaction-output).
- wait until the funding transaction has reached `minimum_depth` before
sending this message.
- set `next_per_commitment_point` to the per-commitment point to be used
for the following commitment transaction, derived as specified in
[BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#per-commitment-secret-requirements).
A non-funding node (fundee):
- SHOULD forget the channel if it does not see the correct funding
transaction after a timeout of 2016 blocks.
From the point of waiting for `funding_locked` onward, either node MAY
send an `error` and fail the channel if it does not receive a required response from the
other node after a reasonable timeout.
#### Rationale
The non-funder can simply forget the channel ever existed, since no
funds are at risk. If the fundee were to remember the channel forever, this
would create a Denial of Service risk; therefore, forgetting it is recommended
(even if the promise of `push_msat` is significant).
If the fundee forgets the channel before it was confirmed, the funder will need
to broadcast the commitment transaction to get his funds back and open a new
channel. To avoid this, the funder should ensure the funding transaction
confirms in the next 2016 blocks.
## Channel Close
Nodes can negotiate a mutual close of the connection, which unlike a
unilateral close, allows them to access their funds immediately and
can be negotiated with lower fees.
Closing happens in two stages:
1. one side indicates it wants to clear the channel (and thus will accept no new HTLCs)
2. once all HTLCs are resolved, the final channel close negotiation begins.
+-------+ +-------+
| |--(1)----- shutdown ------->| |
| |<-(2)----- shutdown --------| |
| | | |
| | | |
| A | ... | B |
| | | |
| |--(3)-- closing_signed F1--->| |
| |<-(4)-- closing_signed F2----| |
| | ... | |
| |--(?)-- closing_signed Fn--->| |
| |<-(?)-- closing_signed Fn----| |
+-------+ +-------+
### Closing Initiation: `shutdown`
Either node (or both) can send a `shutdown` message to initiate closing,
along with the `scriptpubkey` it wants to be paid to.
1. type: 38 (`shutdown`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u16`:`len`]
* [`len*byte`:`scriptpubkey`]
#### Requirements
A sending node:
- if it hasn't sent a `funding_created` (if it is a funder) or a `funding_signed` (if it is a fundee):
- MUST NOT send a `shutdown`
- MAY send a `shutdown` before a `funding_locked`, i.e. before the funding transaction has reached `minimum_depth`.
- if there are updates pending on the receiving node's commitment transaction:
- MUST NOT send a `shutdown`.
- MUST NOT send an `update_add_htlc` after a `shutdown`.
- if no HTLCs remain in either commitment transaction:
- MUST NOT send any `update` message after a `shutdown`.
- SHOULD fail to route any HTLC added after it has sent `shutdown`.
- if it sent a non-zero-length `shutdown_scriptpubkey` in `open_channel` or `accept_channel`:
- MUST send the same value in `scriptpubkey`.
- MUST set `scriptpubkey` in one of the following forms:
1. `OP_0` `20` 20-bytes (version 0 pay to witness pubkey hash), OR
2. `OP_0` `32` 32-bytes (version 0 pay to witness script hash), OR
3. if (and only if) `option_shutdown_anysegwit` is negotiated:
* `OP_1` through `OP_16` inclusive, followed by a single push of 2 to 40 bytes
(witness program versions 1 through 16)
A receiving node:
- if it hasn't received a `funding_signed` (if it is a funder) or a `funding_created` (if it is a fundee):
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
- if the `scriptpubkey` is not in one of the above forms:
- SHOULD send a `warning`.
- if it hasn't sent a `funding_locked` yet:
- MAY reply to a `shutdown` message with a `shutdown`
- once there are no outstanding updates on the peer, UNLESS it has already sent a `shutdown`:
- MUST reply to a `shutdown` message with a `shutdown`
- if both nodes advertised the `option_upfront_shutdown_script` feature, and the receiving node received a non-zero-length `shutdown_scriptpubkey` in `open_channel` or `accept_channel`, and that `shutdown_scriptpubkey` is not equal to `scriptpubkey`:
- MAY send a `warning`.
- MUST fail the connection.
#### Rationale
If channel state is always "clean" (no pending changes) when a
shutdown starts, the question of how to behave if it wasn't is avoided:
the sender always sends a `commitment_signed` first.
As shutdown implies a desire to terminate, it implies that no new
HTLCs will be added or accepted. Once any HTLCs are cleared, the peer
may immediately begin closing negotiation, so we ban further updates
to the commitment transaction (in particular, `update_fee` would be
possible otherwise).
The `scriptpubkey` forms include only standard segwit forms accepted by
the Bitcoin network, which ensures the resulting transaction will
propagate to miners. However old nodes may send non-segwit scripts, which
may be accepted for backwards-compatibility (with a caveat to force-close
if this output doesn't meet dust relay requirements).
The `option_upfront_shutdown_script` feature means that the node
wanted to pre-commit to `shutdown_scriptpubkey` in case it was
compromised somehow. This is a weak commitment (a malevolent
implementation tends to ignore specifications like this one!), but it
provides an incremental improvement in security by requiring the cooperation
of the receiving node to change the `scriptpubkey`.
The `shutdown` response requirement implies that the node sends `commitment_signed` to commit any outstanding changes before replying; however, it could theoretically reconnect instead, which would simply erase all outstanding uncommitted changes.
### Closing Negotiation: `closing_signed`
Once shutdown is complete and the channel is empty of HTLCs, the final
current commitment transactions will have no HTLCs, and closing fee
negotiation begins. The funder chooses a fee it thinks is fair, and
signs the closing transaction with the `scriptpubkey` fields from the
`shutdown` messages (along with its chosen fee) and sends the signature;
the other node then replies similarly, using a fee it thinks is fair. This
exchange continues until both agree on the same fee or when one side fails
the channel.
In the modern method, the funder sends its permissable fee range, and the
non-funder has to pick a fee in this range. If the non-funder chooses the same
value, negotiation is complete after two messages, otherwise the funder will
reply with the same value (completing after three messages).
1. type: 39 (`closing_signed`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`fee_satoshis`]
* [`signature`:`signature`]
* [`closing_signed_tlvs`:`tlvs`]
1. `tlv_stream`: `closing_signed_tlvs`
2. types:
1. type: 1 (`fee_range`)
2. data:
* [`u64`:`min_fee_satoshis`]
* [`u64`:`max_fee_satoshis`]
#### Requirements
The funding node:
- after `shutdown` has been received, AND no HTLCs remain in either commitment transaction:
- SHOULD send a `closing_signed` message.
The sending node:
- SHOULD set the initial `fee_satoshis` according to its estimate of cost of
inclusion in a block.
- SHOULD set `fee_range` according to the minimum and maximum fees it is
prepared to pay for a close transaction.
- if it doesn't receive a `closing_signed` response after a reasonable amount of time:
- MUST fail the channel
- if it is not the funder:
- SHOULD set `max_fee_satoshis` to at least the `max_fee_satoshis` received
- SHOULD set `min_fee_satoshis` to a fairly low value
- MUST set `signature` to the Bitcoin signature of the close transaction,
as specified in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#closing-transaction).
The receiving node:
- if the `signature` is not valid for either variant of closing transaction
specified in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#closing-transaction) OR non-compliant with LOW-S-standard rule[LOWS](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/6769):
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if `fee_satoshis` is equal to its previously sent `fee_satoshis`:
- SHOULD sign and broadcast the final closing transaction.
- MAY close the connection.
- if `fee_satoshis` matches its previously sent `fee_range`:
- SHOULD use `fee_satoshis` to sign and broadcast the final closing transaction
- SHOULD reply with a `closing_signed` with the same `fee_satoshis` value if it is different from its previously sent `fee_satoshis`
- MAY close the connection.
- if the message contains a `fee_range`:
- if there is no overlap between that and its own `fee_range`:
- SHOULD send a warning
- MUST fail the channel if it doesn't receive a satisfying `fee_range` after a reasonable amount of time
- otherwise:
- if it is the funder:
- if `fee_satoshis` is not in the overlap between the sent and received `fee_range`:
- MUST fail the channel
- otherwise:
- MUST reply with the same `fee_satoshis`.
- otherwise (it is not the funder):
- if it has already sent a `closing_signed`:
- if `fee_satoshis` is not the same as the value it sent:
- MUST fail the channel
- otherwise:
- MUST propose a `fee_satoshis` in the overlap between received and (about-to-be) sent `fee_range`.
- otherwise, if `fee_satoshis` is not strictly between its last-sent `fee_satoshis`
and its previously-received `fee_satoshis`, UNLESS it has since reconnected:
- SHOULD send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- otherwise, if the receiver agrees with the fee:
- SHOULD reply with a `closing_signed` with the same `fee_satoshis` value.
- otherwise:
- MUST propose a value "strictly between" the received `fee_satoshis`
and its previously-sent `fee_satoshis`.
The receiving node:
- if one of the outputs in the closing transaction is below the dust limit for its `scriptpubkey` (see [BOLT 3](03-transactions.md#dust-limits)):
- MUST fail the channel
#### Rationale
When `fee_range` is not provided, the "strictly between" requirement ensures
that forward progress is made, even if only by a single satoshi at a time.
To avoid keeping state and to handle the corner case, where fees have shifted
between disconnection and reconnection, negotiation restarts on reconnection.
Note there is limited risk if the closing transaction is
delayed, but it will be broadcast very soon; so there is usually no
reason to pay a premium for rapid processing.
Note that the non-funder is not paying the fee, so there is no reason for it
to have a maximum feerate. It may want a minimum feerate, however, to ensure
that the transaction propagates. It can always use CPFP later to speed up
confirmation if necessary, so that minimum should be low.
It may happen that the closing transaction doesn't meet bitcoin's default relay
policies (e.g. when using a non-segwit shutdown script for an output below 546
satoshis, which is possible if `dust_limit_satoshis` is below 546 satoshis).
No funds are at risk when that happens, but the channel must be force-closed as
the closing transaction will likely never reach miners.
## Normal Operation
Once both nodes have exchanged `funding_locked` (and optionally [`announcement_signatures`](07-routing-gossip.md#the-announcement_signatures-message)), the channel can be used to make payments via Hashed Time Locked Contracts.
Changes are sent in batches: one or more `update_` messages are sent before a
`commitment_signed` message, as in the following diagram:
+-------+ +-------+
| |--(1)---- update_add_htlc ---->| |
| |--(2)---- update_add_htlc ---->| |
| |<-(3)---- update_add_htlc -----| |
| | | |
| |--(4)--- commitment_signed --->| |
| A |<-(5)---- revoke_and_ack ------| B |
| | | |
| |<-(6)--- commitment_signed ----| |
| |--(7)---- revoke_and_ack ----->| |
| | | |
| |--(8)--- commitment_signed --->| |
| |<-(9)---- revoke_and_ack ------| |
+-------+ +-------+
Counter-intuitively, these updates apply to the *other node's*
commitment transaction; the node only adds those updates to its own
commitment transaction when the remote node acknowledges it has
applied them via `revoke_and_ack`.
Thus each update traverses through the following states:
1. pending on the receiver
2. in the receiver's latest commitment transaction
3. ... and the receiver's previous commitment transaction has been revoked,
and the update is pending on the sender
4. ... and in the sender's latest commitment transaction
5. ... and the sender's previous commitment transaction has been revoked
As the two nodes' updates are independent, the two commitment
transactions may be out of sync indefinitely. This is not concerning:
what matters is whether both sides have irrevocably committed to a
particular update or not (the final state, above).
### Forwarding HTLCs
In general, a node offers HTLCs for two reasons: to initiate a payment of its own,
or to forward another node's payment. In the forwarding case, care must
be taken to ensure the *outgoing* HTLC cannot be redeemed unless the *incoming*
HTLC can be redeemed. The following requirements ensure this is always true.
The respective **addition/removal** of an HTLC is considered *irrevocably committed* when:
1. The commitment transaction **with/without** it is committed to by both nodes, and any
previous commitment transaction **without/with** it has been revoked, OR
2. The commitment transaction **with/without** it has been irreversibly committed to
the blockchain.
#### Requirements
A node:
- until an incoming HTLC has been irrevocably committed:
- MUST NOT offer the corresponding outgoing HTLC (`update_add_htlc`) in response to that incoming HTLC.
- until the removal of an outgoing HTLC is irrevocably committed, OR until the outgoing on-chain HTLC output has been spent via the HTLC-timeout transaction (with sufficient depth):
- MUST NOT fail the incoming HTLC (`update_fail_htlc`) that corresponds
to that outgoing HTLC.
- once the `cltv_expiry` of an incoming HTLC has been reached, OR if `cltv_expiry` minus `current_height` is less than `cltv_expiry_delta` for the corresponding outgoing HTLC:
- MUST fail that incoming HTLC (`update_fail_htlc`).
- if an incoming HTLC's `cltv_expiry` is unreasonably far in the future:
- SHOULD fail that incoming HTLC (`update_fail_htlc`).
- upon receiving an `update_fulfill_htlc` for an outgoing HTLC, OR upon discovering the `payment_preimage` from an on-chain HTLC spend:
- MUST fulfill the incoming HTLC that corresponds to that outgoing HTLC.
#### Rationale
In general, one side of the exchange needs to be dealt with before the other.
Fulfilling an HTLC is different: knowledge of the preimage is, by definition,
irrevocable and the incoming HTLC should be fulfilled as soon as possible to
reduce latency.
An HTLC with an unreasonably long expiry is a denial-of-service vector and
therefore is not allowed. Note that the exact value of "unreasonable" is currently unclear
and may depend on network topology.
### `cltv_expiry_delta` Selection
Once an HTLC has timed out, it can either be fulfilled or timed-out;
care must be taken around this transition, both for offered and received HTLCs.
Consider the following scenario, where A sends an HTLC to B, who
forwards to C, who delivers the goods as soon as the payment is
received.
1. C needs to be sure that the HTLC from B cannot time out, even if B becomes
unresponsive; i.e. C can fulfill the incoming HTLC on-chain before B can
time it out on-chain.
2. B needs to be sure that if C fulfills the HTLC from B, it can fulfill the
incoming HTLC from A; i.e. B can get the preimage from C and fulfill the incoming
HTLC on-chain before A can time it out on-chain.
The critical settings here are the `cltv_expiry_delta` in
[BOLT #7](07-routing-gossip.md#the-channel_update-message) and the
related `min_final_cltv_expiry` in [BOLT #11](11-payment-encoding.md#tagged-fields).
`cltv_expiry_delta` is the minimum difference in HTLC CLTV timeouts, in
the forwarding case (B). `min_final_cltv_expiry` is the minimum difference
between HTLC CLTV timeout and the current block height, for the
terminal case (C).
Note that a node is at risk if it accepts an HTLC in one channel and
offers an HTLC in another channel with too small of a difference between
the CLTV timeouts. For this reason, the `cltv_expiry_delta` for the
*outgoing* channel is used as the delta across a node.
The worst-case number of blocks between outgoing and
incoming HTLC resolution can be derived, given a few assumptions:
* a worst-case reorganization depth `R` blocks
* a grace-period `G` blocks after HTLC timeout before giving up on
an unresponsive peer and dropping to chain
* a number of blocks `S` between transaction broadcast and the
transaction being included in a block
The worst case is for a forwarding node (B) that takes the longest
possible time to spot the outgoing HTLC fulfillment and also takes
the longest possible time to redeem it on-chain:
1. The B->C HTLC times out at block `N`, and B waits `G` blocks until
it gives up waiting for C. B or C commits to the blockchain,
and B spends HTLC, which takes `S` blocks to be included.
2. Bad case: C wins the race (just) and fulfills the HTLC, B only sees
that transaction when it sees block `N+G+S+1`.
3. Worst case: There's reorganization `R` deep in which C wins and
fulfills. B only sees transaction at `N+G+S+R`.
4. B now needs to fulfill the incoming A->B HTLC, but A is unresponsive: B waits `G` more
blocks before giving up waiting for A. A or B commits to the blockchain.
5. Bad case: B sees A's commitment transaction in block `N+G+S+R+G+1` and has
to spend the HTLC output, which takes `S` blocks to be mined.
6. Worst case: there's another reorganization `R` deep which A uses to
spend the commitment transaction, so B sees A's commitment
transaction in block `N+G+S+R+G+R` and has to spend the HTLC output, which
takes `S` blocks to be mined.
7. B's HTLC spend needs to be at least `R` deep before it times out,
otherwise another reorganization could allow A to timeout the
transaction.
Thus, the worst case is `3R+2G+2S`, assuming `R` is at least 1. Note that the
chances of three reorganizations in which the other node wins all of them is
low for `R` of 2 or more. Since high fees are used (and HTLC spends can use
almost arbitrary fees), `S` should be small during normal operation; although,
given that block times are irregular, empty blocks still occur, fees may vary
greatly, and the fees cannot be bumped on HTLC transactions, `S=12` should be
considered a minimum. `S` is also the parameter that may vary the most under
attack, so a higher value may be desirable when non-negligible amounts are at
risk. The grace period `G` can be low (1 or 2), as nodes are required to timeout
or fulfill as soon as possible; but if `G` is too low it increases the risk of
unnecessary channel closure due to networking delays.
There are four values that need be derived:
1. the `cltv_expiry_delta` for channels, `3R+2G+2S`: if in doubt, a
`cltv_expiry_delta` of at least 34 is reasonable (R=2, G=2, S=12).
2. the deadline for offered HTLCs: the deadline after which the channel has to
be failed and timed out on-chain. This is `G` blocks after the HTLC's
`cltv_expiry`: 1 or 2 blocks is reasonable.
3. the deadline for received HTLCs this node has fulfilled: the deadline after
which the channel has to be failed and the HTLC fulfilled on-chain before
its `cltv_expiry`. See steps 4-7 above, which imply a deadline of `2R+G+S`
blocks before `cltv_expiry`: 18 blocks is reasonable.
4. the minimum `cltv_expiry` accepted for terminal payments: the
worst case for the terminal node C is `2R+G+S` blocks (as, again, steps
1-3 above don't apply). The default in [BOLT #11](11-payment-encoding.md) is
18, which matches this calculation.
#### Requirements
An offering node:
- MUST estimate a timeout deadline for each HTLC it offers.
- MUST NOT offer an HTLC with a timeout deadline before its `cltv_expiry`.
- if an HTLC which it offered is in either node's current
commitment transaction, AND is past this timeout deadline:
- SHOULD send an `error` to the receiving peer (if connected).
- MUST fail the channel.
A fulfilling node:
- for each HTLC it is attempting to fulfill:
- MUST estimate a fulfillment deadline.
- MUST fail (and not forward) an HTLC whose fulfillment deadline is already past.
- if an HTLC it has fulfilled is in either node's current commitment
transaction, AND is past this fulfillment deadline:
- SHOULD send an `error` to the offering peer (if connected).
- MUST fail the channel.
### Adding an HTLC: `update_add_htlc`
Either node can send `update_add_htlc` to offer an HTLC to the other,
which is redeemable in return for a payment preimage. Amounts are in
millisatoshi, though on-chain enforcement is only possible for whole
satoshi amounts greater than the dust limit (in commitment transactions these are rounded down as
specified in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md)).
The format of the `onion_routing_packet` portion, which indicates where the payment
is destined, is described in [BOLT #4](04-onion-routing.md).
1. type: 128 (`update_add_htlc`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`id`]
* [`u64`:`amount_msat`]
* [`sha256`:`payment_hash`]
* [`u32`:`cltv_expiry`]
* [`1366*byte`:`onion_routing_packet`]
#### Requirements
A sending node:
- if it is _responsible_ for paying the Bitcoin fee:
- MUST NOT offer `amount_msat` if, after adding that HTLC to its commitment
transaction, it cannot pay the fee for either the local or remote commitment
transaction at the current `feerate_per_kw` while maintaining its channel
reserve (see [Updating Fees](#updating-fees-update_fee)).
- if `option_anchors` applies to this commitment transaction and the sending
node is the funder:
- MUST be able to additionally pay for `to_local_anchor` and
`to_remote_anchor` above its reserve.
- SHOULD NOT offer `amount_msat` if, after adding that HTLC to its commitment
transaction, its remaining balance doesn't allow it to pay the commitment
transaction fee when receiving or sending a future additional non-dust HTLC
while maintaining its channel reserve. It is recommended that this "fee spike
buffer" can handle twice the current `feerate_per_kw` to ensure predictability
between implementations.
- if it is _not responsible_ for paying the Bitcoin fee:
- SHOULD NOT offer `amount_msat` if, once the remote node adds that HTLC to
its commitment transaction, it cannot pay the fee for the updated local or
remote transaction at the current `feerate_per_kw` while maintaining its
channel reserve.
- MUST offer `amount_msat` greater than 0.
- MUST NOT offer `amount_msat` below the receiving node's `htlc_minimum_msat`
- MUST set `cltv_expiry` less than 500000000.
- if result would be offering more than the remote's
`max_accepted_htlcs` HTLCs, in the remote commitment transaction:
- MUST NOT add an HTLC.
- if the sum of total offered HTLCs would exceed the remote's
`max_htlc_value_in_flight_msat`:
- MUST NOT add an HTLC.
- for the first HTLC it offers:
- MUST set `id` to 0.
- MUST increase the value of `id` by 1 for each successive offer.
`id` MUST NOT be reset to 0 after the update is complete (i.e. after `revoke_and_ack` has
been received). It MUST continue incrementing instead.
A receiving node:
- receiving an `amount_msat` equal to 0, OR less than its own `htlc_minimum_msat`:
- SHOULD send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- receiving an `amount_msat` that the sending node cannot afford at the current `feerate_per_kw` (while maintaining its channel reserve and any `to_local_anchor` and `to_remote_anchor` costs):
- SHOULD send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if a sending node adds more than receiver `max_accepted_htlcs` HTLCs to
its local commitment transaction, OR adds more than receiver `max_htlc_value_in_flight_msat` worth of offered HTLCs to its local commitment transaction:
- SHOULD send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if sending node sets `cltv_expiry` to greater or equal to 500000000:
- SHOULD send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- MUST allow multiple HTLCs with the same `payment_hash`.
- if the sender did not previously acknowledge the commitment of that HTLC:
- MUST ignore a repeated `id` value after a reconnection.
- if other `id` violations occur:
- MAY send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
The `onion_routing_packet` contains an obfuscated list of hops and instructions for each hop along the path.
It commits to the HTLC by setting the `payment_hash` as associated data, i.e. includes the `payment_hash` in the computation of HMACs.
This prevents replay attacks that would reuse a previous `onion_routing_packet` with a different `payment_hash`.
#### Rationale
Invalid amounts are a clear protocol violation and indicate a breakdown.
If a node did not accept multiple HTLCs with the same payment hash, an
attacker could probe to see if a node had an existing HTLC. This
requirement, to deal with duplicates, leads to the use of a separate
identifier; it's assumed a 64-bit counter never wraps.
Retransmissions of unacknowledged updates are explicitly allowed for
reconnection purposes; allowing them at other times simplifies the
recipient code (though strict checking may help debugging).
`max_accepted_htlcs` is limited to 483 to ensure that, even if both
sides send the maximum number of HTLCs, the `commitment_signed` message will
still be under the maximum message size. It also ensures that
a single penalty transaction can spend the entire commitment transaction,
as calculated in [BOLT #5](05-onchain.md#penalty-transaction-weight-calculation).
`cltv_expiry` values equal to or greater than 500000000 would indicate a time in
seconds, and the protocol only supports an expiry in blocks.
The node _responsible_ for paying the Bitcoin fee should maintain a "fee
spike buffer" on top of its reserve to accommodate a future fee increase.
Without this buffer, the node _responsible_ for paying the Bitcoin fee may
reach a state where it is unable to send or receive any non-dust HTLC while
maintaining its channel reserve (because of the increased weight of the
commitment transaction), resulting in a degraded channel. See [#728](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lightning-rfc/issues/728)
for more details.
### Removing an HTLC: `update_fulfill_htlc`, `update_fail_htlc`, and `update_fail_malformed_htlc`
For simplicity, a node can only remove HTLCs added by the other node.
There are four reasons for removing an HTLC: the payment preimage is supplied,
it has timed out, it has failed to route, or it is malformed.
To supply the preimage:
1. type: 130 (`update_fulfill_htlc`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`id`]
* [`32*byte`:`payment_preimage`]
For a timed out or route-failed HTLC:
1. type: 131 (`update_fail_htlc`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`id`]
* [`u16`:`len`]
* [`len*byte`:`reason`]
The `reason` field is an opaque encrypted blob for the benefit of the
original HTLC initiator, as defined in [BOLT #4](04-onion-routing.md);
however, there's a special malformed failure variant for the case where
the peer couldn't parse it: in this case the current node instead takes action, encrypting
it into a `update_fail_htlc` for relaying.
For an unparsable HTLC:
1. type: 135 (`update_fail_malformed_htlc`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`id`]
* [`sha256`:`sha256_of_onion`]
* [`u16`:`failure_code`]
#### Requirements
A node:
- SHOULD remove an HTLC as soon as it can.
- SHOULD fail an HTLC which has timed out.
- until the corresponding HTLC is irrevocably committed in both sides'
commitment transactions:
- MUST NOT send an `update_fulfill_htlc`, `update_fail_htlc`, or
`update_fail_malformed_htlc`.
A receiving node:
- if the `id` does not correspond to an HTLC in its current commitment transaction:
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if the `payment_preimage` value in `update_fulfill_htlc`
doesn't SHA256 hash to the corresponding HTLC `payment_hash`:
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if the `BADONION` bit in `failure_code` is not set for
`update_fail_malformed_htlc`:
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if the `sha256_of_onion` in `update_fail_malformed_htlc` doesn't match the
onion it sent:
- MAY retry or choose an alternate error response.
- otherwise, a receiving node which has an outgoing HTLC canceled by `update_fail_malformed_htlc`:
- MUST return an error in the `update_fail_htlc` sent to the link which
originally sent the HTLC, using the `failure_code` given and setting the
data to `sha256_of_onion`.
#### Rationale
A node that doesn't time out HTLCs risks channel failure (see
[`cltv_expiry_delta` Selection](#cltv_expiry_delta-selection)).
A node that sends `update_fulfill_htlc`, before the sender, is also
committed to the HTLC and risks losing funds.
If the onion is malformed, the upstream node won't be able to extract
the shared key to generate a response — hence the special failure message, which
makes this node do it.
The node can check that the SHA256 that the upstream is complaining about
does match the onion it sent, which may allow it to detect random bit
errors. However, without re-checking the actual encrypted packet sent,
it won't know whether the error was its own or the remote's; so
such detection is left as an option.
### Committing Updates So Far: `commitment_signed`
When a node has changes for the remote commitment, it can apply them,
sign the resulting transaction (as defined in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md)), and send a
`commitment_signed` message.
1. type: 132 (`commitment_signed`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`signature`:`signature`]
* [`u16`:`num_htlcs`]
* [`num_htlcs*signature`:`htlc_signature`]
#### Requirements
A sending node:
- MUST NOT send a `commitment_signed` message that does not include any
updates.
- MAY send a `commitment_signed` message that only
alters the fee.
- MAY send a `commitment_signed` message that doesn't
change the commitment transaction aside from the new revocation number
(due to dust, identical HTLC replacement, or insignificant or multiple
fee changes).
- MUST include one `htlc_signature` for every HTLC transaction corresponding
to the ordering of the commitment transaction (see [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#transaction-input-and-output-ordering)).
- if it has not recently received a message from the remote node:
- SHOULD use `ping` and await the reply `pong` before sending `commitment_signed`.
A receiving node:
- once all pending updates are applied:
- if `signature` is not valid for its local commitment transaction OR non-compliant with LOW-S-standard rule [LOWS](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/6769):
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if `num_htlcs` is not equal to the number of HTLC outputs in the local
commitment transaction:
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if any `htlc_signature` is not valid for the corresponding HTLC transaction OR non-compliant with LOW-S-standard rule [LOWS](https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/6769):
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- MUST respond with a `revoke_and_ack` message.
#### Rationale
There's little point offering spam updates: it implies a bug.
The `num_htlcs` field is redundant, but makes the packet length check fully self-contained.
The recommendation to require recent messages recognizes the reality
that networks are unreliable: nodes might not realize their peers are
offline until after sending `commitment_signed`. Once
`commitment_signed` is sent, the sender considers itself bound to
those HTLCs, and cannot fail the related incoming HTLCs until the
output HTLCs are fully resolved.
Note that the `htlc_signature` implicitly enforces the time-lock mechanism in
the case of offered HTLCs being timed out or received HTLCs being spent. This
is done to reduce fees by creating smaller scripts compared to explicitly
stating time-locks on HTLC outputs.
The `option_anchors` allows HTLC transactions to "bring their own fees" by
attaching other inputs and outputs, hence the modified signature flags.
### Completing the Transition to the Updated State: `revoke_and_ack`
Once the recipient of `commitment_signed` checks the signature and knows
it has a valid new commitment transaction, it replies with the commitment
preimage for the previous commitment transaction in a `revoke_and_ack`
message.
This message also implicitly serves as an acknowledgment of receipt
of the `commitment_signed`, so this is a logical time for the `commitment_signed` sender
to apply (to its own commitment) any pending updates it sent before
that `commitment_signed`.
The description of key derivation is in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#key-derivation).
1. type: 133 (`revoke_and_ack`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`32*byte`:`per_commitment_secret`]
* [`point`:`next_per_commitment_point`]
#### Requirements
A sending node:
- MUST set `per_commitment_secret` to the secret used to generate keys for
the previous commitment transaction.
- MUST set `next_per_commitment_point` to the values for its next commitment
transaction.
A receiving node:
- if `per_commitment_secret` is not a valid secret key or does not generate the previous `per_commitment_point`:
- MUST send an `error` and fail the channel.
- if the `per_commitment_secret` was not generated by the protocol in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#per-commitment-secret-requirements):
- MAY send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
A node:
- MUST NOT broadcast old (revoked) commitment transactions,
- Note: doing so will allow the other node to seize all channel funds.
- SHOULD NOT sign commitment transactions, unless it's about to broadcast
them (due to a failed connection),
- Note: this is to reduce the above risk.
### Updating Fees: `update_fee`
An `update_fee` message is sent by the node which is paying the
Bitcoin fee. Like any update, it's first committed to the receiver's
commitment transaction and then (once acknowledged) committed to the
sender's. Unlike an HTLC, `update_fee` is never closed but simply
replaced.
There is a possibility of a race, as the recipient can add new HTLCs
before it receives the `update_fee`. Under this circumstance, the sender may
not be able to afford the fee on its own commitment transaction, once the `update_fee`
is finally acknowledged by the recipient. In this case, the fee will be less
than the fee rate, as described in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#fee-payment).
The exact calculation used for deriving the fee from the fee rate is
given in [BOLT #3](03-transactions.md#fee-calculation).
1. type: 134 (`update_fee`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u32`:`feerate_per_kw`]
#### Requirements
The node _responsible_ for paying the Bitcoin fee:
- SHOULD send `update_fee` to ensure the current fee rate is sufficient (by a
significant margin) for timely processing of the commitment transaction.
The node _not responsible_ for paying the Bitcoin fee:
- MUST NOT send `update_fee`.
A receiving node:
- if the `update_fee` is too low for timely processing, OR is unreasonably large:
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if the sender is not responsible for paying the Bitcoin fee:
- MUST send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- if the sender cannot afford the new fee rate on the receiving node's
current commitment transaction:
- SHOULD send a `warning` and close the connection, or send an
`error` and fail the channel.
- but MAY delay this check until the `update_fee` is committed.
#### Rationale
Bitcoin fees are required for unilateral closes to be effective.
With `option_anchors`, `feerate_per_kw` is not as critical anymore to guarantee
confirmation as it was in the legacy commitment format, but it still needs to
be enough to be able to enter the mempool (satisfy min relay fee and mempool
min fee).
For the legacy commitment format, there is no general method for the
broadcasting node to use child-pays-for-parent to increase its effective fee.
Given the variance in fees, and the fact that the transaction may be
spent in the future, it's a good idea for the fee payer to keep a good
margin (say 5x the expected fee requirement) for legacy commitment txes; but, due to differing methods of
fee estimation, an exact value is not specified.
Since the fees are currently one-sided (the party which requested the
channel creation always pays the fees for the commitment transaction),
it's simplest to only allow it to set fee levels; however, as the same
fee rate applies to HTLC transactions, the receiving node must also
care about the reasonableness of the fee.
## Message Retransmission
Because communication transports are unreliable, and may need to be
re-established from time to time, the design of the transport has been
explicitly separated from the protocol.
Nonetheless, it's assumed our transport is ordered and reliable.
Reconnection introduces doubt as to what has been received, so there are
explicit acknowledgments at that point.
This is fairly straightforward in the case of channel establishment
and close, where messages have an explicit order, but during normal
operation, acknowledgments of updates are delayed until the
`commitment_signed` / `revoke_and_ack` exchange; so it cannot be assumed
that the updates have been received. This also means that the receiving
node only needs to store updates upon receipt of `commitment_signed`.
Note that messages described in [BOLT #7](07-routing-gossip.md) are
independent of particular channels; their transmission requirements
are covered there, and besides being transmitted after `init` (as all
messages are), they are independent of requirements here.
1. type: 136 (`channel_reestablish`)
2. data:
* [`channel_id`:`channel_id`]
* [`u64`:`next_commitment_number`]
* [`u64`:`next_revocation_number`]
* [`32*byte`:`your_last_per_commitment_secret`]
* [`point`:`my_current_per_commitment_point`]
`next_commitment_number`: A commitment number is a 48-bit
incrementing counter for each commitment transaction; counters
are independent for each peer in the channel and start at 0.
They're only explicitly relayed to the other node in the case of
re-establishment, otherwise they are implicit.
### Requirements
A funding node:
- upon disconnection:
- if it has broadcast the funding transaction:
- MUST remember the channel for reconnection.
- otherwise:
- SHOULD NOT remember the channel for reconnection.
A non-funding node:
- upon disconnection:
- if it has sent the `funding_signed` message:
- MUST remember the channel for reconnection.
- otherwise:
- SHOULD NOT remember the channel for reconnection.
A node:
- MUST handle continuation of a previous channel on a new encrypted transport.
- upon disconnection:
- MUST reverse any uncommitted updates sent by the other side (i.e. all
messages beginning with `update_` for which no `commitment_signed` has
been received).
- Note: a node MAY have already used the `payment_preimage` value from
the `update_fulfill_htlc`, so the effects of `update_fulfill_htlc` are not
completely reversed.
- upon reconnection:
- if a channel is in an error state:
- SHOULD retransmit the error packet and ignore any other packets for
that channel.
- otherwise:
- MUST transmit `channel_reestablish` for each channel.
- MUST wait to receive the other node's `channel_reestablish`
message before sending any other messages for that channel.
The sending node:
- MUST set `next_commitment_number` to the commitment number of the
next `commitment_signed` it expects to receive.
- MUST set `next_revocation_number` to the commitment number of the
next `revoke_and_ack` message it expects to receive.
- if `option_static_remotekey` applies to the commitment
transaction:
- MUST set `my_current_per_commitment_point` to a valid point.
- otherwise:
- MUST set `my_current_per_commitment_point` to its commitment point for
the last signed commitment it received from its channel peer (i.e. the commitment_point
corresponding to the commitment transaction the sender would use to unilaterally close).
- if `next_revocation_number` equals 0:
- MUST set `your_last_per_commitment_secret` to all zeroes
- otherwise:
- MUST set `your_last_per_commitment_secret` to the last `per_commitment_secret` it received
A node:
- if `next_commitment_number` is 1 in both the `channel_reestablish` it
sent and received:
- MUST retransmit `funding_locked`.
- otherwise:
- MUST NOT retransmit `funding_locked`.
- upon reconnection:
- MUST ignore any redundant `funding_locked` it receives.
- if `next_commitment_number` is equal to the commitment number of
the last `commitment_signed` message the receiving node has sent:
- MUST reuse the same commitment number for its next `commitment_signed`.
- otherwise:
- if `next_commitment_number` is not 1 greater than the
commitment number of the last `commitment_signed` message the receiving
node has sent:
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
- if it has not sent `commitment_signed`, AND `next_commitment_number`
is not equal to 1:
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
- if `next_revocation_number` is equal to the commitment number of
the last `revoke_and_ack` the receiving node sent, AND the receiving node
hasn't already received a `closing_signed`:
- MUST re-send the `revoke_and_ack`.
- if it has previously sent a `commitment_signed` that needs to be
retransmitted:
- MUST retransmit `revoke_and_ack` and `commitment_signed` in the same
relative order as initially transmitted.
- otherwise:
- if `next_revocation_number` is not equal to 1 greater than the
commitment number of the last `revoke_and_ack` the receiving node has sent:
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
- if it has not sent `revoke_and_ack`, AND `next_revocation_number`
is not equal to 0:
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
A receiving node:
- if `option_static_remotekey` applies to the commitment transaction:
- if `next_revocation_number` is greater than expected above, AND
`your_last_per_commitment_secret` is correct for that
`next_revocation_number` minus 1:
- MUST NOT broadcast its commitment transaction.
- SHOULD send an `error` to request the peer to fail the channel.
- otherwise:
- if `your_last_per_commitment_secret` does not match the expected values:
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
- otherwise, if it supports `option_data_loss_protect`:
- if `next_revocation_number` is greater than expected above, AND
`your_last_per_commitment_secret` is correct for that
`next_revocation_number` minus 1:
- MUST NOT broadcast its commitment transaction.
- SHOULD send an `error` to request the peer to fail the channel.
- SHOULD store `my_current_per_commitment_point` to retrieve funds
should the sending node broadcast its commitment transaction on-chain.
- otherwise (`your_last_per_commitment_secret` or `my_current_per_commitment_point`
do not match the expected values):
- SHOULD send an `error` and fail the channel.
A node:
- MUST NOT assume that previously-transmitted messages were lost,
- if it has sent a previous `commitment_signed` message:
- MUST handle the case where the corresponding commitment transaction is
broadcast at any time by the other side,
- Note: this is particularly important if the node does not simply
retransmit the exact `update_` messages as previously sent.
- upon reconnection:
- if it has sent a previous `shutdown`:
- MUST retransmit `shutdown`.
### Rationale
The requirements above ensure that the opening phase is nearly
atomic: if it doesn't complete, it starts again. The only exception
is if the `funding_signed` message is sent but not received. In
this case, the funder will forget the channel, and presumably open
a new one upon reconnection; meanwhile, the other node will eventually forget
the original channel, due to never receiving `funding_locked` or seeing
the funding transaction on-chain.
There's no acknowledgment for `error`, so if a reconnect occurs it's
polite to retransmit before disconnecting again; however, it's not a MUST,
because there are also occasions where a node can simply forget the
channel altogether.
`closing_signed` also has no acknowledgment so must be retransmitted
upon reconnection (though negotiation restarts on reconnection, so it needs
not be an exact retransmission).
The only acknowledgment for `shutdown` is `closing_signed`, so one or the other
needs to be retransmitted.
The handling of updates is similarly atomic: if the commit is not
acknowledged (or wasn't sent) the updates are re-sent. However, it's not
insisted they be identical: they could be in a different order,
involve different fees, or even be missing HTLCs which are now too old
to be added. Requiring they be identical would effectively mean a
write to disk by the sender upon each transmission, whereas the scheme
here encourages a single persistent write to disk for each
`commitment_signed` sent or received. But if you need to retransmit both a
`commitment_signed` and a `revoke_and_ack`, the relative order of these two
must be preserved, otherwise it will lead to a channel closure.
A re-transmittal of `revoke_and_ack` should never be asked for after a
`closing_signed` has been received, since that would imply a shutdown has been
completed — which can only occur after the `revoke_and_ack` has been received
by the remote node.
Note that the `next_commitment_number` starts at 1, since
commitment number 0 is created during opening.
`next_revocation_number` will be 0 until the
`commitment_signed` for commitment number 1 is send and then
the revocation for commitment number 0 is received.
`funding_locked` is implicitly acknowledged by the start of normal
operation, which is known to have begun after a `commitment_signed` has been
received — hence, the test for a `next_commitment_number` greater
than 1.
A previous draft insisted that the funder "MUST remember ...if it has
broadcast the funding transaction, otherwise it MUST NOT": this was in
fact an impossible requirement. A node must either firstly commit to
disk and secondly broadcast the transaction or vice versa. The new
language reflects this reality: it's surely better to remember a
channel which hasn't been broadcast than to forget one which has!
Similarly, for the fundee's `funding_signed` message: it's better to
remember a channel that never opens (and times out) than to let the
funder open it while the fundee has forgotten it.
`option_data_loss_protect` was added to allow a node, which has somehow fallen
behind (e.g. has been restored from old backup), to detect that it has fallen
behind. A fallen-behind node must know it cannot broadcast its current
commitment transaction — which would lead to total loss of funds — as the
remote node can prove it knows the revocation preimage. The `error` returned by
the fallen-behind node should make the other node drop its current commitment
transaction to the chain. The other node should wait for that `error` to give
the fallen-behind node an opportunity to fix its state first (e.g by restarting
with a different backup). If the fallen-behind node doesn't have the latest
backup, this will, at least, allow it to recover non-HTLC funds, if the
`my_current_per_commitment_point` is valid. However, this also means the
fallen-behind node has revealed this fact (though not provably: it could be lying),
and the other node could use this to broadcast a previous state.
`option_static_remotekey` removes the changing `to_remote` key,
so the `my_current_per_commitment_point` is unnecessary and thus
ignored (for parsing simplicity, it remains and must be a valid point,
however), but the disclosure of previous secret still allows
fall-behind detection. An implementation can offer both, however, and
fall back to the `option_data_loss_protect` behavior if
`option_static_remotekey` is not negotiated.
# Authors
[ FIXME: Insert Author List ]
This work is licensed under a [Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License](http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).