---
title: Infrastructure Overview
slug: infrastructure-overview
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-03-06T17:27:11.715Z
---

# High Level Infra Overview

1. Voltage is the infrastructure platform
2. Voltage wraps [LND](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd)
3. [LND](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd) is an open source implementation of [Lightning](https://github.com/lightning/bolts)
4. [LND](https://github.com/lightningnetwork/lnd) has an [API](https://lightning.engineering/api-docs/api/lnd/index.html) which is your primary interface for nearly all Lightning features and methods
5. Voltage has an [API](https://docs.voltage.cloud/voltage-api) which is exclusively for managing infrastructure (your LND node) and its settings and is not an interface for activities such as sending / receiving payments or checking balances

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# A bit more in-depth

### 1. Voltage is the infrastructure platform

Voltage provides managed Lightning Network infrastructure, handling all the technical complexity of running Lightning nodes so you don't have to. Think of it as "Lightning-as-a-Service" - you get all the benefits of Lightning Network functionality without worrying about server maintenance, monitoring, or updates. **Crucially, your node is encrypted with your own password and remains fully non-custodial.**

- **Managed hosting**: Voltage handles server provisioning, security, and uptime
- **Simplified setup**: No need to configure your own hardware or deal with networking
- **Professional monitoring**: 24/7 monitoring and alerting for your Lightning infrastructure
- **Non-custodial security**: Your node is encrypted with your password - Voltage never has access to your funds or private keys

### 2. Voltage wraps LND

Voltage takes the core LND software and packages it with additional management tools, monitoring systems, and enterprise features. It's like having LND with a professional operations team built around it. **Your encrypted node data is only decrypted client-side with your password, ensuring Voltage cannot access your Lightning wallet.**

- **LND plus more**: Same core Lightning functionality with added enterprise features
- **Management layer**: Additional tools for monitoring, backups, and configuration
- **Abstracted complexity**: Voltage handles the technical details while exposing LND's capabilities
- **Client-side decryption**: Your node is unlocked only by you, with your password, on your device

### 3. LND is an open source implementation of Lightning

LND (Lightning Network Daemon) is one of the most popular ways to run Lightning Network software. The Lightning Network enables instant, low-cost Bitcoin payments by creating payment channels between users.

- **Open source foundation**: Built and maintained by the Bitcoin community
- **Lightning Network protocol**: Implements the technical specifications for off-chain Bitcoin payments
- **Production ready**: Used by major exchanges, wallets, and payment processors
- **Self-sovereign design**: LND maintains your control over your own keys and funds

### 4. LND has an API which is your primary interface for nearly all Lightning features

LND's API is where the action happens - it's how you actually use Lightning Network functionality. This is your main toolkit for building Lightning-powered applications. **You control access to this API through your own authentication and encryption.**

- **Payment operations**: Send and receive Lightning payments programmatically
- **Channel management**: Open, close, and manage payment channels
- **Balance checking**: Query wallet balances and channel liquidity
- **Invoice generation**: Create payment requests for receiving funds
- **Your keys, your control**: All Lightning operations require your authentication and decryption

### 5. Voltage has an API which is exclusively for managing infrastructure

Voltage's API is separate and focused purely on infrastructure management - think of it as the "admin panel" for your Lightning setup, not the Lightning functionality itself. **Voltage can manage your server infrastructure but cannot access your encrypted Lightning node or funds.**

- **Node management**: Start, stop, restart your LND instance (but cannot unlock or access it)
- **Configuration changes**: Update settings, security parameters, and network configurations
- **Infrastructure monitoring**: Check node status, resource usage, and health metrics
- **Clear separation**: Infrastructure management stays separate from Lightning operations for better security and organization
- **Zero access to funds**: Voltage manages the infrastructure but your encrypted node ensures non-custodial control