Running a Bitcoin Lightning Network full node combines the needs of both a Bitcoin full node and a Lightning Network node. Here's a breakdown of the hardware you'll need:

Minimum Requirements:

• Operating System: While Core Lightning, a popular Lightning Network implementation, supports Linux and macOS, Windows users can consider Docker for setup.
• CPU: A basic 1 GHz processor should suffice. We recommend a stronger CPU
• RAM: Aim for at least 4 GB of RAM for smooth operation. 8GB of RAM is recommended.
• Storage:
  • Full Bitcoin Core Node: You'll need around 500 GB of storage to store the entire Bitcoin blockchain. We recommend using SSD drives.
  • Pruned Bitcoin Core Node: If you choose to run a pruned Bitcoin Core node, which stores only a portion of the blockchain, the storage requirement drops significantly to less than 5 GB.
  • Remote Bitcoin Core: Alternatively, you can connect your Lightning Network node to a remote Bitcoin Core node, eliminating the storage needs for the blockchain on your machine.
• Internet Connection: A reliable broadband internet connection with an upload speed of at least 400 kbps (50 kb/s) is essential. Ideally, a 100Mbps connection with 1 - 2TB of data transfer is fully enough, as full nodes can consume significant upload bandwidth (potentially over 200 GB per month on high-speed connections).

Additional Considerations:

• Disk Speed: For a smoother experience, especially during the initial blockchain download, aim for a storage drive with a read/write speed of at least 100 MB/s. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are ideal for this purpose.
• Uptime: Bitcoin Lightning Network nodes are most beneficial when running continuously. Ensure your hardware is stable and reliable for extended periods.

Alternatives to Running a Full Node:

• Lightweight Nodes: If the hardware requirements seem daunting, you can consider running a lightweight Lightning Network node. These nodes connect to a full node for blockchain verification, reducing storage needs.
• Hosted Nodes: Several services offer hosted Lightning Network nodes, eliminating the need for you to manage the hardware yourself.