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WBTC—Bitcoin on Ethereum—Compared to Lightning Network by Crypto Expert Lark Davis. Which Solution Is Better?

However, Shapeshift CEO Erik Voorhees challenged the validity of such comparisons, explaining the fundamental difference between LN and WBTC technologies

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Cover image via twitter.com

Prominent cryptocurrencies expert and influencer Lark Davis, also known as Crypto Lark, sees three indicators that highlight that Bitcoin (BTC) Lightning Network, its first massive scalability solution, is a disaster.

Bitcoin on Ethereum surpasses Lightning Network forty times

According to Mr. Davis, Lightning Networkthe payment channel solution that allows for partial processing of transactional information off the main Bitcoin (BTC) blockchainhas failed in three ways, despite two years of development progress.

First, Lightning Network failed to integrate, Mr. Davis admitted. Then it failed to prove its innovative character. As a result, its adoption is mediocre.

These shortcomings made its usage negligible in comparison to Wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) solutions. It is an Ethereum-based asset representing the value of one Bitcoin (BTC). Such assets are very useful in Ether-based decentralized applications (dApps), and in decentralized exchanges (DEXs) in particular.

👉 MUST READ One Ethereum App Now Generates More Fees Than Entire Bitcoin Networkrelated article image

As covered by CryptoComes, the adoption of Ether-based DEXs is encountering a real storm in Q3, 2020. The single decentralized exchange Uniswap generates more fees than the entire Bitcoin (BTC) network.

Erik Voorhees recommends not comparing WBTC to Lightning

Erik Voorhees, CEO of Shapeshift self-custody cryptocurrencies exchange platform, questioned the possibility of such a comparison. He emphasized that Wrapped Bitcoin (BTC), which exists on Layer One of the Ethereum (ETH) mainnet, should not be compared to Lightning Network:

This is an interesting statistic, but the wrapped BTC in Ethereum is still subject to expensive tx fees (whereas on Lightning it’s not). Wrapped BTC on base layer Ethereum shouldn’t be compared to Lightning. Wrapped BTC on L2 ETH of some kind would be more appropriate.

Only tokenization of Bitcoins (BTC) within some second-layer solutions should be treated as a competitor to the Lightning Network. Also, Mr. Voorhees recalled that WBTC is subject to high transactional fees.

Mr. Davis admitted that he is not a big fan of WBTC himself. It should be noted that Ethereum L2 scalability solutions are also in the spotlight in the crypto segment.

As CryptoComes previously reported, the implementation of Plasma by OMG Network into Bitfinex Tether transactions triggered the incredible bullish run of OMG token.

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Vladislav Sopov

Blockchain Analyst & Writer with scientific background. 5+ years in IT-analytics, 2+ years in blockchain.

Worked in independent analysis as well as in start-ups (Swap.online, Monoreto, Attic Lab etc.)