Setup GuideBridge Servers

Bridge Servers

If you already run a Lightning node but don't want to build your own LNURL server, bridge servers let you connect your node to get a Lightning Address.

What is a Bridge Server?

A bridge server acts as an intermediary between:

  • Your Lightning node (which handles payments)
  • The LNURL protocol (which handles the address resolution)

When someone pays your Lightning Address, the bridge server:

  1. Receives the LNURL request
  2. Asks your node for an invoice
  3. Returns the invoice to the sender
  4. Your node receives the payment directly

Available Bridge Solutions

Umbrel / Citadel

If you're running Umbrel or Citadel, you can use:

  • Alby Hub — Connect to get an @getalby.com address
  • LNbits — Self-host your own LNURL endpoints
  • BTCPay Server — Full payment processing with Lightning Address

Satdress

Satdress is a lightweight bridge server:

# Clone and configure
git clone https://github.com/nbd-wtf/satdress
cd satdress
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your node details

Supports:

  • LND
  • c-lightning
  • Eclair
  • LNbits
  • LNPay

Lightning Box

Lightning Box provides Lightning Address for Blixt wallet users and other LND nodes.

Setup Guide

  1. Choose a bridge — Pick one that supports your node type
  2. Configure connection — Usually REST API or gRPC credentials
  3. Set up DNS — Point your domain's .well-known to the bridge
  4. Test — Send yourself a small payment

Important Notes

  • Not fully trustless — The bridge sees your invoices (though not funds)
  • Uptime dependent — If the bridge is down, you can't receive
  • Custom domains — Most bridges support your own domain

Self-Hosting vs. Hosted

| Aspect | Self-Hosted Bridge | Hosted Service | |--------|-------------------|----------------| | Trust | You control everything | Trust the provider | | Uptime | Your responsibility | Provider handles it | | Setup | More technical | Usually instant | | Custom domain | Often supported | Usually supported | | Cost | Just hosting | May have fees |

For most users, a hosted wallet with Lightning Address is simpler. Bridge servers are best for:

  • Node operators who want sovereignty
  • Developers building custom setups
  • Users with specific privacy requirements