The Lightning network is a new protocol layer that not only has implications for Bitcoin payments, but could hugely impact many altcoins, decentralized exchanges, and the nature of crypto payments for the entire ecosystem.
Learn more about its benefits from another of Aaron van Wirdum’s excellent articles with Bitcoin Magazine.

Link to the article on Bitcoin Magazine:
https://bitcoinmagazine.com/articles/atomic-swaps-how-the-lightning-network-extends-to-altcoins-1484157052/