Connect to Platform
GroundControl and connectors work entirely locally without an internet connection. The server-initiated connection (Cloud connectivity) is what makes connectors accessible from the UniteLabs Platform, the UniteLabs SDK, and the REST API — from anywhere, not just the local network.
What platform connectivity enables
| Without platform connection | With platform connection |
|---|---|
| Connectors are reachable only from the local network | Connectors are reachable from the UniteLabs platform and SDK from anywhere |
| Connector interface available, but cannot be used with UniteLabs SDKs. No workflow execution | Workflows written with UniteLabs UniteLabs SDK can connect to the connectors. enables workflow execution |
| No visibility in the platform UI | Connectors appear in the platform Connectors page |
If you want to use the UniteLabs platform, build workflows, or access instruments remotely, enable it.
We are working towards making more platform features available via GroundControl, e.g. hybrid execution.
How it works
When cloud is enabled, GroundControl opens a single persistent outbound TLS connection to:
<tenant-id>.unitelabs.io:443
The connector's SiLA 2 API is relayed through this connection. No inbound ports are required — GroundControl initiates the connection, not the cloud.
In the current state, each connector initiates a connection to the platform API endpoint and communication is not yet channeled through GroundControl yet.
Enable cloud connectivity
Cloud connectivity is configured in GroundControl settings, which you fill in during initial setup:
- Open GroundControl → Settings
- Enter your Tenant ID (from your welcome email or your UniteLabs contact)
- Click Save
GroundControl uses the tenant ID to derive the cloud endpoint (<tenant-id>.unitelabs.io) and establish the relay connection automatically after sign-in.
Alternatively, if the connector should make the connection directly to the Unitelabs Platform, the cloud endpoint can be configured in the connector configuration menu. For connectors run as standalone executables (without GroundControl), add the cloud endpoint to the connector's config.json:
{
"cloud_server_endpoint": {
"hostname": "<tenant-id>.unitelabs.io",
"port": 443,
"tls": true
}
}
See Headless install for the full setup flow.
Verify the connection
Once GroundControl is signed in and your connectors are running, open the UniteLabs platform. Your connectors should appear as online within a few seconds.
If a connector shows as offline:
- Confirm the connector process is
runningin GroundControl - The connector can be accessed and commands can be send to the connector via GroundControl
- Review the Activity tab in GroundControl for error messages
- Check the connector logs and ensure that outbound TCP port 443 to
*.unitelabs.iois not blocked by your network - Verify the TLS setting and contact your network administrator about potential requirements for certificates.