> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cyberup24.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connection Methods

Access to the LARK's tools and configuration is established over the network. Two methods are available: connection through a switch, which is recommended, or direct connection from a laptop. Both provide access to the same interfaces and differ only in the number of devices that can connect and the available flexibility.

This page covers connection to the appliance. The delivery of traffic to the appliance for monitoring is a separate path, covered on the network capture setup page.

## Connection through a switch (recommended)

Connection through a switch is the recommended method. The appliance links to the switch, and laptops connect to the switch as well, allowing more than one operator to reach the appliance at once and providing room to scale.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect the appliance to the switch">
    Connect one of the appliance's rear RJ45 connectivity interfaces to the switch.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect a laptop to the switch">
    Connect a laptop to an open port on the switch.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access the appliance">
    Open a browser on the laptop and reach the appliance's interfaces. Access and sign-in are covered on the system access page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  A switch purchased with the kit arrives pre-configured for use with the appliance. A customer-supplied switch may also be used, with the appliance and laptops connected to it as any other device.
</Tip>

## Direct laptop connection

A single laptop may also be connected directly to the appliance, without a switch. This provides quick access for setup or one-off use, but only one laptop can be connected at a time.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect the laptop to the appliance">
    Connect the laptop to one of the appliance's rear RJ45 connectivity interfaces.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Access the appliance">
    Open a browser on the laptop and reach the appliance's interfaces, as described on the system access page.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Laptop selection

Any suitable laptop may be used to connect to the appliance, whether through a switch or directly. Kits may ship with one or more laptops; where they do not, a customer-supplied laptop may be used.

<Note>
  The switch and laptop are optional components. Their inclusion in a kit does not affect the operation of the appliance, only the method of connection. The components page describes what may be included in a kit.
</Note>