> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.stagemic.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Network Setup

StageMic uses two separate network services:

* A **display server** for browser-based backstage displays.
* An **OSC receiver** for scene control.

Their interfaces and ports can be configured independently in **Network setup**.

## Default settings

| Service | Interface | Port | Protocol |
| :- | :- | :- | :- |
| Backstage displays | All interfaces (`0.0.0.0`) | `8910` | HTTP over TCP |
| OSC control | Localhost (`127.0.0.1`) | `9000` | OSC over UDP |

These settings allow displays to connect over the local network while keeping OSC control on the controlling computer by default.

## Choosing an interface

An interface determines where a service listens for connections or messages.

### All interfaces

**All interfaces (**`0.0.0.0`**)** listens on the computer’s available IPv4 interfaces.

This can be useful when devices connect through different network connections, such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

`0.0.0.0` is a listening setting. Do not enter it as the destination address on another device. Use the controlling computer’s reachable address.

### A specific interface

Select a listed address to restrict the service to that interface.

For example, you could serve backstage displays over Ethernet while receiving OSC through another network connection.

Interface names and addresses depend on the computer and its current connections.

### Localhost

**Localhost (**`127.0.0.1`**)** is available for OSC.

It accepts messages sent from software running on the same computer. Use this when QLab and StageMic run together.

Localhost is not offered for the display server, because other devices cannot reach it.

## Ports

A port identifies the service on the computer.

Keep the defaults unless another application uses them or your network requires different settings.

If you change a port, update the corresponding display links or OSC controller configuration.

The display port and OSC port serve different purposes. Send OSC to the configured UDP port, rather than to the browser display address.

## Applying changes

1. Choose the required interfaces.
2. Enter the ports.
3. Select **Apply network settings**.
4. Confirm the change.

Applying settings briefly pauses OSC reception and reconnects displays. Make changes during setup rather than during a performance.

The current scene and completion records are retained.

If the new settings cannot be used, StageMic attempts to restore the previous settings.

## Refreshing interfaces

Select **Refresh interfaces** after connecting Ethernet, joining another network or otherwise changing the computer’s connections.

If a previously saved interface is unavailable, StageMic leaves the editor available so you can select a replacement.

## Display links

StageMic generates links for the display interface and port you have chosen.

When listening on all interfaces, it may show several addresses. Choose the address reachable from your backstage devices.

Use **Open** to preview a display or **QR code** to connect another device.

See [Connecting a Display](/connecting-a-display).

## Firewalls and network isolation

Allow StageMic’s incoming connections if your firewall asks.

A network can allow internet access while preventing devices from communicating with each other. Guest Wi-Fi and client isolation commonly cause this.

Ask the venue’s network administrator for a suitable connection if devices cannot communicate.

## Stable addresses

Display bookmarks and OSC destinations depend on the controlling computer’s address.

If the network assigns a different address, update those links and destinations. A DHCP reservation arranged with the network administrator can help keep the address consistent.

## Storage

Network settings are saved on the controlling computer.

They are not included in `.mic` files. Loading another show does not replace them, and moving a show to another computer does not transfer them.

## Network security

Use a trusted show network.

Backstage displays use unencrypted HTTP. The Complete-only display has no password, and OSC scene control has no authentication.

Do not expose these services directly to the internet.


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