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source/support/FAQ/bitcoin-faq.rst
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@@ -9,20 +9,16 @@ You can learn more about the Initial Block Download in `this video <https://www.
Can the IBD (Initial Block Download) be made faster? Or can wait times be improved?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We have some work planned to improve the wait times, which we think is the better way to deal with painful sync times without sacrificing the trust minimization.
We have improvements on the way in mid-2021 to vastly improve the painful sync times, without sacrificing trust minimization.
I'm getting this error: unable to connect to bitcoind: -28: Loading block index... What do I do?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The block index error is normal and goes away after the Bitcoin blockchain has synced. If you have completed the Initial Blockchain Download (IBD), this will be a few minutes at most.
The Bitcoin Service is different from the GUI version I am used to using (bitcoin-qt). How to I use this like I used to?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At present, the Embassy does not offer its own node visualization tool. You can view certain properties about your node inside the "Properties" section, but not in an animated GUI. If you want to use bitcoin-cli, you may do so by adding an SSH key onto your Embassy and exec-ing into the bitcoind docker container. Otherwise, the main way to actually *use* your node is through a wallet. The QT GUI is not usable because it cannot be served through the browser (which is necessary here), and last we checked, the QT desktop client was incapable of connecting to a remote node over Tor. As far as we are aware, the only wallets that support this are Specter, Fully Noded, and Sparrow.
Does the Embassy run a full archival Bitcoin node?
--------------------------------------------------
The Embassy runs a full node, but does not run a full *archival* node, it's pruned. This means it does not store the entire Blockchain. As it syncs, it discards blocks and transactions it does not need.
It is fully validating and verifying consensus all the way from Genesis. Really, the only reason to store the entire Blockchain is if you want to run a block explorer. Learn more here: :ref:`node`.
It is fully validating and verifying consensus all the way from Genesis. Really, the only reason to store the entire Blockchain is if you want to run a block explorer. Learn more here: :ref:`node`. All this being said, it will be possible to run a full archival node on the Embassy in mid-2021, bringing this addtional functionality to those that would like it.
What actions, specifically, are only possible with an archival, or ‘unpruned’ node?
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@@ -32,6 +28,66 @@ Is it insecure to run a pruned node?
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As a user, pruned nodes and archival nodes provide you the same security. In a larger sense, if 100% of people ran pruned nodes, the security of the network could be in dire circumstances and be put at risk if no nodes kept history, as then no one could bootstrap new nodes. The reality however, is that most Embassy owners are new node operators, so there is no net systemic risk introduced.
The Bitcoin Service is different from the GUI version I am used to using (bitcoin-qt). How do I use this like I used to?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
At present, the Embassy does not offer its own node visualization tool. You can view certain properties about your node inside the "Properties" section, but not in an animated GUI. If you want to use bitcoin-cli, you may do so by adding an SSH key onto your Embassy and exec-ing into the bitcoind docker container. Otherwise, the main way to actually *use* your node is through a wallet. The QT GUI is not usable because it cannot be served through the browser (which is necessary here), and last we checked, the QT desktop client was incapable of connecting to a remote node over Tor. As far as we are aware, the only wallets that support this are Specter, Fully Noded, and Sparrow.
Is a wallet vulnerable to hacking if it’s always online??
---------------------------------------------------------
Funds are not stored on the node typically. The node simply serves as a source of truth for the state of the blockchain. Attacks depend on where the keys are and where the signing happens. You can use something like a hardware wallet for better security. Though, to be fair, a lot of attacks depend on you or your machine being targeted specifically, and a whole bunch of attack vectors are highly theoretical and obscure.
Most successful attacks seem to be either fake/doctored software or a social attack (tricking you into installing some malware or giving your seed outright or something like that).
Keep in mind, however, the more value there is out there to steal, the more sophisticated attacks will get automated (bots, crawlers etc). So its not just the risk profile of today, but also tomorrow you have to consider. That’s why something like a hardware wallet or dedicated mobile device for key signing is a good idea.
Even if your wallet is plugged into your Embassy, whether your wallet is hot or cold depends on the hardware that stores the keys.
How does Bitcoin Proxy request (and verify) data when that data is needed by some app using it?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proxy fetches blocks from your pruned node if it still has them, and fetches them from peers when it does not. Proxy can ensures the fetched block is valid by comparing it to its header, which is retained by the pruned node. The header is a product of the hash of the block itself, amongst other things, so it can't be
What is the difference between the Bitcoin Wallet Tracker and the Electrum Personal Server?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bitcoin Wallet Tracker and Electrum Personal Server are 2 services that do the same thing, similar to bitcoind vs btcd, or lnd vs c-lightning.
Both work with your Bitcoin node to provide a richer set of information to wallets than could be done with bitcoind alone. They are basically identical in purpose, their differences are notably in the software memory requirements and how snappily they can answer the same questions.
Electrum (and some other wallets) require more than just a Bitcoin node to run in a sovereign way, they require an “Electrum Server”. Both Electrum Personal Server and Bitcoin Wallet Tracker are “Electrum servers”.
Should I use Bitcoin Core as a wallet?
--------------------------------------
This is a question that deserves more attention. Bitcoin Core is your full node. It is helpful to think of this as your own personal Bitcoin Server. This is your own verified source of truth of the Bitcoin ledger, that requires no permission for you to set up and own. The job of your Bitcoin server is to verify that the transactions you want to make and receive are valid.
While it does have the ability to host a wallet, it is generally bad practice to do so. This is because it is best to let your node do its job and not mix duties with that of a wallet. There are also security implications.
There are many modern wallets that have the ability to use your personal Bitcoin node as a source of truth, but with the advantages of additional security and advanced features. This also follows the Linux mantra of "do one thing and do it well."
Which wallets can I use that sync with my Embassy Bitcoin node?
---------------------------------------------------------------
There are many wallets that support linking to your own full node. You will need one that supports Tor. Here are a few options that are compatible: FullyNoded, Specter, Sparrow, Zap, and Zeus.
Is there a guide for connecting Specter Wallet to my Embassy?
-------------------------------------------------------------
There is. Please follow the integration guide `here <https://github.com/Start9Labs/bitcoind-wrapper/tree/master/docs/integrations/specter>`_ and select the tutorial based on your operating system.
More guides, particularly in video form, are forthcoming.
Is BlueWallet an option?
------------------------
BlueWallet requires a separate backend service called LNDHub, which is not available on the Embassy at this time.
I want to use my hardware signer, such as Coldcard or Trezor, with my Embassy. How does this work?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You do not use hardware signers directly with your node. Hardware signers interface with wallets, and wallets interface with nodes.
Node (Embassy) <— Wallet (Specter, Sparrow, Electrum) <— Hardware signer (Coldcard, Trezor)
You would use your hardware signer with your wallet, then instruct that wallet to use Embassy as its node.
- Nodes are for interacting with the Bitcoin network: enforcing consensus rules, validating and relaying blocks/transactions, and broadcasting transactions.
- Wallets are for constructing and viewing transactions, as well as generating addresses.
- Signers are for generating and storing keys, as well as signing transactions.
The reason there is so much confusion about these 3 concepts is that the Bitcoin Core Node comes with its own Wallet (which you should not use), and that wallet is also a signer. In fact, most wallets double as signers, and most wallets do NOT support connecting to your own node. So, most wallets are actually serving as a wallet, a node, and a signer, which might be convenient, but it is neither trustless nor maximally secure. Ideally, you are using a wallet that supports both integrating with a hardware signer (like Coldcard or Trezor) AND a backend node (like on the Embassy).
Please note: of the wallets listed (Specter/Sparrow/Electrum), only Specter is currently able to use Embassy as it's node, but the other two should be available soon.
Why would I want to run a lightning node?
-----------------------------------------
The Lightning Network (LN) is a second 'layer,' built on top of the Bitcoin Protocol. As a result all transactions on LN are backed up by the full security of the Bitcoin network. Lightning is designed for instant payments between nodes, but similar to running a Bitcoin node, running your own is the only way to be sovereign. When you have your own node, you will have the convenience of linking a Lightning wallet, for use on the go. It is also possible to earn an income (granted a very small one at this time), if you are willing to learn how to become a 'routing node.'
@@ -53,55 +109,6 @@ Is there a solution to this?
----------------------------
Yes, the concept of a Watchtower was originally conceptualized in the LN whitepaper. A Watchtower is simply a lightning node to which you can give the authority to monitor transactions associated with your open payment channels.
Is a wallet vulnerable to hacking if it’s always online??
---------------------------------------------------------
Funds are not stored on the node typically. The node simply serves as a source of truth for the state of the blockchain. Attacks depend on where the keys are and where the signing happens. You can use something like a hardware wallet for better security. Though, to be fair, a lot of attacks depend on you or your machine being targeted specifically, and a whole bunch of attack vectors are highly theoretical and obscure.
Most successful attacks seem to be either fake/doctored software or a social attack (tricking you into installing some malware or giving your seed outright or something like that).
Keep in mind, however, the more value there is out there to steal, the more sophisticated attacks will get automated (bots, crawlers etc). So its not just the risk profile of today, but also tomorrow you have to consider. That’s why something like a hardware wallet or dedicated mobile device for key signing is a good idea.
Even if your wallet is plugged into your Embassy, whether your wallet is hot or cold depends on the hardware that stores the keys.
How does Bitcoin Proxy request (and verify) data when that data is needed by some app using it?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proxy fetches blocks from your pruned node if it still has them, and fetches them from peers when it does not. Proxy can ensures the fetched block is valid by comparing it to its header, which is retained by the pruned node. The header is a product of the hash of the block itself, amongst other things, so it can't be
What is the difference between the Bitcoin Wallet Tracker and the Electrum Personal Server?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bitcoin Wallet Tracker and Electrum Personal Server are 2 services that do the same thing, similar to bitcoind vs btcd, or lnd vs c-lightning.
Both work with your Bitcoin node to provide a richer set of information to wallets than could be done with bitcoind alone. They are basically identical in purpose, their differences are notably in the software memory requirements and how snappily they can answer the same questions.
Electrum (and some other wallets) require more than just a Bitcoin node to run in a sovereign way, they require an “Electrum Server”. Both Electrum Personal Server and Bitcoin Wallet Tracker are “Electrum servers”.
I want to use my hardware signer, such as Coldcard or Trezor, with my Embassy. How does this work?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You do not use hardware signers directly with your node. Hardware signers interface with wallets, and wallets interface with nodes.
Node (Embassy) <— Wallet (Specter, Sparrow, Electrum) <— Hardware signer (Coldcard, Trezor)
You would use your hardware signer with your wallet, then instruct that wallet to use Embassy as its node.
- Nodes are for interacting with the Bitcoin network: enforcing consensus rules, validating and relaying blocks/transactions, and broadcasting transactions.
- Wallets are for constructing and viewing transactions, as well as generating addresses.
- Signers are for generating and storing keys, as well as signing transactions.
The reason there is so much confusion about these 3 concepts is that the Bitcoin Core Node comes with its own Wallet (which you should not use), and that wallet is also a signer. In fact, most wallets double as signers, and most wallets do NOT support connecting to your own node. So, most wallets are actually serving as a wallet, a node, and a signer, which might be convenient, but it is neither trustless nor maximally secure. Ideally, you are using a wallet that supports both integrating with a hardware signer (like Coldcard or Trezor) AND a backend node (like on the Embassy).
Please note: of the wallets listed (Specter/Sparrow/Electrum), only Specter is currently able to use Embassy as it's node, but the other two should be available soon.
Which wallets can I use that sync with my Embassy Bitcoin node?
---------------------------------------------------------------
There are many wallets that support linking to your own full node. You will need one that supports Tor. Here are a few options that are compatible: FullyNoded, Samourai, Specter, Wasabi, Zap, and Zeus.
Is there a guide for connecting Specter Wallet to my Embassy?
-------------------------------------------------------------
There is. Please follow the integration guide `here <https://github.com/Start9Labs/bitcoind-wrapper/tree/master/docs/integrations/specter>`_ and select the tutorial based on your operating system.
More guides, particularly in video form, are forthcoming.
Is BlueWallet an option?
------------------------
BlueWallet requires a separate backend service called LNDHub, which is not available on the Embassy at this time.
Is it possible to run c-lightning and lnd parallel on the Embassy?
------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes, you may run both. They will operate in their own environments and allow you to run services that depend on either.