Why do we need a "routing" process in Lightning Network?
If I am wrong, please correct me.
If we simplify Lightning Network, it seems to work similar to this simple unidirectional payment channel between two parties (although, Lightning Network is a bidirectional).
So we may simplify the process of a payment between two parties in Lightning Network as follows:
(1) the sender and recipient just need to create a channel and deploy the contract and then the sender puts the recipient's address in the contract as recipient.
(2) Then any agreed number of off-chain transactions will be done between sender and recipient such that the sender's address for each mico-payment will be verified by recipient.
(3) Eventually, a settlement will be done via an on-chain transaction, by which the recipient will receive the total amount the contract.
In a first view, it seems no need for "routing" process.
So, can we now ask that why do we need a routing process for performing a payment in Lightning Network?
P.S. I refer you to the Lightning Network website, where it's mentioned that:
"By creating a network of these two-party ledger entries, it is possible to find a path across the network similar to routing packets on the internet."
Note: The payment channels are composable, meaning that If A and B have a payment channel, and B and C have another, then A can pay C through B. But the matter is that there is a fee incentive for intermediaries. Now the question is which one is more affordable?
(1) Doing like above approach?
Or
(2) A and C create another channel between themselves without paying to B and without need for routing ?
So, the answer of necessity of need for a routing process in Lightning Network is dependent on affordability of paying to one or multiple intermediaries instead of paying for a new direct channel without intermediary?
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