=====================
Initial configuration
=====================

There are two initial configuration modes that can be used when installing and
setting up nodes:

1. The host is given a **node key** to be used when SD-WAN is installed.
   This assigns a host to a specific node record.
2. The host uses a **default node configuration**. This allows the host to be
   assigned to a node record at a later time.

Configuration with node key
===========================

If a node key is provided during installation, the node will become
automatically assigned to a node record on the management server. This can be
used to pre-configure a device before it is sent to a customer, in which case
it will be immediately ready to use upon arrival.

Default node configuration
==========================

If no node key is provided, SD-WAN nodes are installed with an empty
configuration, enabling zero-touch provisioning (ZTP). This allows customers
to deploy unconfigured devices out of the box. Customers can then be
instructed to finalize the configuration at a later date.

Once you have determined which configuration mode you'd like to use, you can
install a node on a device using the following instructions:

- `Installing a node via ISO <installing-a-node-via-iso.html>`__
- `Installing a node on an existing Linux installation <installing-a-node-on-an-existing-linux-installation.html>`__

More information on configuring default nodes and reconfiguring existing nodes
can be found on the following pages:

- `Configuring a default node via web service <configuring-a-default-node-via-web-service.html>`__
- `Configuring a default node or reconfiguring an existing node via USB key <configuring-a-default-node-or-reconfiguring-an-existing-node-via-usb-key.html>`__