---
title: Prerequisites
slug: manage/prerequisites
docTags: 
createdAt: 2025-03-11T06:56:11.036Z
---

In order to use BrightSign Cloud, BrightSign players must have an active internet connection. Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and [mobile / cellular](docId\:XMDpmPBg2QVipCGTFjN9-) internet connections are supported.

# Ethernet

If your player has an active Ethernet connection to the internet, it is all set to connect to BrightSign Cloud.

## Ethernet Settings

Additional Ethernet settings (e.g., static IP address, 802.1x security, etc.) can be configured in the player's [Setup](docId\:XNnXywMV09iEgZIIt7RWA).

From BrightSign Author, go to **Admin > Setup** and go to **Network Configuration > Network Options > Ethernet**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/0prk6SO2dy9LdU77jB8D1/0UlAzmjKjZ9KbVNBz4U7i_image.png)

For complete details on the available Ethernet settings, refer [here](docId\:gfqm5HVphjQijhZxb2NGy).

In addition to network settings, the Setup File also includes various other player settings such as player name, description, and importantly, the player's [Publishing Mode](docId\:rEScIigY-dJRPuZgwaA4e). These settings should also be configured. For more info on the available settings, refer to [Setup](docId\:XNnXywMV09iEgZIIt7RWA).

After creating the Setup File, manually copy the Setup File to the player's storage device and reboot the player as [described below](docId\:Cxjo6TrmFAgAIeBGJWUQv).

# Wi-Fi

There are several ways to configure Wi-Fi connectivity for players equipped with [Wi-Fi modules](docId:54O8NV8TSDVXiP35hf4cg):

1. **Recommended Method**: Create a [Setup File](docId\:XNnXywMV09iEgZIIt7RWA) with the required Wi-Fi info. Manually copy the Setup to the player's storage device and reboot the player as [described below](docId\:Cxjo6TrmFAgAIeBGJWUQv).
2. Create a [Setup File](docId\:XNnXywMV09iEgZIIt7RWA) with the required Wi-Fi info. [Provision](docId\:Cyl9kPm02CO5rgcB9WQQv) the player to apply the Setup File to the player. Temporarily connect the player to the network via Ethernet to enable the transfer of the Setup File to the player. After the Setup File has been installed, the Ethernet connection can be removed, and the player will connect via Wi-Fi.
3. The [Direct Wi-Fi Setup](docId\:CBkH4sLc99bt3QCwtW5sM) method can also be used which does not require a temporary Ethernet connection nor the manual copying of a Setup File to the player.

For complete details on the available Wi-Fi settings, refer [here](docId\:gfqm5HVphjQijhZxb2NGy).

## Wi-Fi Settings

From BrightSign Author, go to **Admin > Setup** and go to **Network Configuration > Network Options > Wi-Fi**.

![](https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/0prk6SO2dy9LdU77jB8D1/hSNxvVFDpjLTmHM62WeH7_image.png)

In addition to network settings, the Setup File also includes various other player settings such as player name, description, and the importantly, the player's [Publishing Mode](docId\:rEScIigY-dJRPuZgwaA4e). These settings should also be configured. For more info on the available settings, refer to [Setup](docId\:XNnXywMV09iEgZIIt7RWA).

# Manually Copy Setup to Player

Once the Setup File has been created, it needs to be copied to the player. The most straightforward way to do this is to manually copy the Setup File to the player's storage device (e.g., microSD card) and then install the storage device to the player. After rebooting the player, the player should be configured per the settings in the Setup File. If the Setup File was properly configured for Wi-Fi, the player should automatically connect to the designated Wi-Fi network.

# Access

BrightSign Cloud can be accessed in several ways with the most common being through the BrightSign Author desktop application which can be downloaded [here](https://www.brightsign.biz/digital-signage-products/software/brightauthorconnected) for Mac or PC, or the BrightSign Control application which can be accessed at *control.bsn.cloud*.

# BrightSignOS

Player(s) must be running BrightSignOS version 8.0.119 or higher.

# BrightSign Cloud Account

You must create a user account and set up your BrightSign Cloud network to begin using the BrightSign Author and/or Control applications. See [Create a BrightSign Cloud Account & Network](docId\:wafFeEgnPSmH9s-jKX3TG).