Once your Federation server is set up, the next step is to connect your target Unified Security Stack instances to your central dashboard. This guide explains how to create a secure API key, attach your instance, and configure optional administrative settings.
Prerequisites: Generate an API Key
Before connecting an instance to the Federation panel, you need to generate an API key on the target Unified Security Stack instance.
When creating this key on the target instance, it is highly recommended to restrict access to the IP address of your Federation server (e.g., 10.11.11.107). This guarantees that only your Federation server is permitted to retrieve data from the instance.
Go to the section for generating API keys on your target Unified Security Stack instance.
In the allowed IP fields, input the IP address for your Federation server.
Click the Create API Key button.
Immediately copy the key that was generated and store it safely. For security purposes, this cryptographic key appears on screen only once and cannot be accessed again later.
Connecting the Instance
Now that your API key is ready, you can connect the target instance to your centralized Federation panel.
- 1
Access the Federation Panel
Open your web browser and navigate to the web interface of your newly installed Federation server (e.g.,
https://10.11.11.107). Sign in with your administrator credentials. - 2
Initiate the Connection
On the initial welcome screen or main dashboard, click the central Connect Instance button. A connection form will be displayed.
- 3
Configure Instance Details
Fill out the required fields in the popup form using the details from your target instance (see the Configuration Fields refer to the table below for guidance).
- 4
Save and Verify
Once you have verified the information, click the Save button.
When the connection succeeds, the system will load the main dashboard right away. You will see aggregated data, metrics, alerts, and log entries arriving from the instance you just linked.
Configuration Fields
Use this reference to complete the Connect Instance form accurately:
| Interface Field | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name | A custom label that clearly identifies the instance inside your Federation console. | Unified Security Stack Demo |
| Base URL | The target Unified Security Stack instance's complete URL or IP address. | https://10.11.11.105 |
| API Key | The cryptographic key that you created and copied during the prerequisite step. | sk_live_... |
| Skip TLS verification | Enable this checkbox only if you are operating in a local testing environment, or if the target instance lacks valid SSL/TLS certificates issued by a trusted authority. | N/A |
Additional Configurations
After you enter the Federation environment and your instances are connected, you can use advanced administrative options. To reach these features, open the dropdown menu beneath your user avatar in the top-right corner: