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Deploy Your First Node

An edge node runs on your infrastructure and executes data pipelines. Let's deploy one to your workspace.

Deploy Your Node​

There are two ways to deploy a node — both register it with your workspace using a bootstrap token. Pick whichever you prefer.

Option 1: Generate an install command (Nodes tab)​

Let Expanso Cloud build a ready-to-run install command for you:

  1. Open Expanso Cloud and go to the Nodes tab
  2. Click Add Node
  3. Choose how long the generated token should stay valid
  4. Copy the generated install command and run it on your machine

The command installs Expanso Edge and bootstraps the node. Then start the node. If you chose the Docker command, the container is already running, so skip ahead to Verify Connection.

Option 2: Create a bootstrap token (Keys tab)​

Prefer to install Expanso Edge yourself? Create a token, then run the commands below.

  1. Open Expanso Cloud and go to the Keys tab
  2. Create a bootstrap token, choosing how long it stays valid
  3. Copy the token, then run these commands on Linux or macOS:
# Install Expanso Edge
curl -fsSL https://get.expanso.io/edge/install.sh | bash

# Bootstrap the node with your token
expanso-edge bootstrap --token YOUR_BOOTSTRAP_TOKEN

Replace YOUR_BOOTSTRAP_TOKEN with the token you copied.

For Docker, Docker Compose, Kubernetes, Windows, and Android, follow the Installation guide with the same token instead.

Start the node​

Bootstrapping stores the node's credentials but does not start it. Start the node and leave it running:

expanso-edge run

Verify Connection​

  1. Return to Expanso Cloud
  2. Navigate to the Nodes tab in your workspace
  3. Your node should appear (usually named after your hostname)
  4. Status shows Connected (green)

Your node is connected and ready to run pipelines.

What's Next?​

Next step: Build Your First Pipeline

Troubleshooting​

Node not appearing?

  • Wait 30 seconds and refresh the page
  • Confirm expanso-edge run is still running and check its output for errors (for Docker, docker logs <container>)
  • Verify network connectivity to cloud.expanso.io

Bootstrap failed?

  • Ensure token is correct (no extra spaces)
  • Generate a new token if expired
  • Check firewall allows outbound HTTPS

Node shows offline?

  • The node may have stopped -- restart it with expanso-edge run
  • Check system resources (CPU, memory, disk)

For system requirements and all installation options, see the Installation guide.