peardata/user-guide/connect.md

Connect

Ways to connect

Method	Role	How
64-hex public key	Viewer	Paste on Connect → Connect
pd1. invite	Granted role (viewer / operator / admin)	Mint with npm run mint-invite -- <role> on the agent host
Admin seed	Admin	Paste SERVER_SEED from the agent .env (optional field on Connect)

Optional alias (e.g. homelab-1) labels the host in Fleet and the titlebar chip.

First connection checklist

1. Agent is running (npm run start:server or systemd).
2. Note the printed publicKey.
3. Open the desktop (npm start).
4. Connect → paste key or invite → Connect.
5. Titlebar shows the active peer; Overview and Charts start filling.

Switching agents

• Fleet → Set active on a live card, or Reconnect / Charts on a saved card.
• Overview fleet strip can also set active when multi-host is listed.
• Only the active agent feeds the Charts wall and Overview sparks.

Offline / reconnect

Saved agents retry dial automatically (see Settings → max reconnect attempts).
Failed peers show in Fleet as Failed; use Reconnect or Forget.

Security notes

• Viewer dials are read-only (metrics subscribe / query).
• Invites and admin seed are secrets — treat like passwords.
• REST binds to 127.0.0.1:18888 by default; do not expose without a reverse proxy and auth.