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

# Connection

Once the PPL Dashboard is running, open your browser and navigate to [localhost:8000](http://localhost:8000).
Before connecting, ensure that the controller is powered on and that the following files have been added to the
controller: the `license.txt` file, and the `etc` folder containing the `config.json`, `devices.json`, and all
associated address map files. For instructions on creating these files, refer to the
[File Configuration](/configure/index) section.

### Connect to the Controller

<Steps>
  <Step title="Enter the Controller IP Address">
    In the connection settings, enter the IP address of the PPL controller.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set the Port">
    Ensure the port is set to `4222`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Credentials">
    Update the **username** and **password** fields to match the credentials defined in the `config.json` file on the
    controller, under the `nats` entry.

    <Warning>
      The username and password must be identical to the values in the `config.json` file. If they do not match, the
      connection will fail and you will be prompted with an authorization error.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Click **Connect** to establish the connection to the controller.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/directenergypartners/vLyzb4KGsgwAR_vz/images/dashboard_connection.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=vLyzb4KGsgwAR_vz&q=85&s=97f9a2d5dc7decbfb1d39f6b1173d9f5" alt="Dashboard Connection" style={{ margin: 'auto' }} width="1252" height="844" data-path="images/dashboard_connection.png" />

### Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If the dashboard is unable to connect to the controller, review the following common causes:

<Expandable title="Connection Timed Out">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/directenergypartners/O4C4GVf_643FUANU/images/dashboard_connection_timeout.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O4C4GVf_643FUANU&q=85&s=2914a850b9923d9e92cd389a074e6bd3" alt="Dashboard Connection Timeout" style={{ margin: 'auto' }} width="1804" height="382" data-path="images/dashboard_connection_timeout.png" />

  If the application indicates that it took too long to establish a connection, this is a probable indication that:

  * The **IP address** is incorrect.
  * The **port** is not set to `4222`.
  * The **controller is not online** or not reachable on the network.
  * The **PPL application has not started** on the controller. Possible causes include:
    * Missing `license.txt` file on the controller.
    * Missing `devices.json` file on the controller.
    * Missing `config.json` file on the controller.
</Expandable>

<Expandable title="Authorization Error">
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/directenergypartners/O4C4GVf_643FUANU/images/dashboard_authorization_error.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=O4C4GVf_643FUANU&q=85&s=de1f849dec635b3464da821680884d7a" alt="Dashboard Authorization Error" style={{ margin: 'auto' }} width="1807" height="384" data-path="images/dashboard_authorization_error.png" />

  If you receive an authorization error, the **username** or **password** does not match the credentials defined in the
  `config.json` file under the `nats` entry. Verify and correct the credentials, then try connecting again.
</Expandable>