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FileFlows provides three connection modes that define how a node (agent) communicates with the FileFlows Server.

You can configure the connection mode using an environment variable:

  • Docker: Set the environment variable in your container configuration
  • Non-Docker installs: Configure the value in your .env file (see the .env Configuration page for details)

Integrated

This mode is used only by the internal processing node. It’s an in-memory, directly attached connection that the server controls fully.

There is no .env setting for this mode because it is automatically used by the internal processing node.

SignalR

This is the default and recommended connection mode for external processing nodes. It uses WebSockets to create a fast, two-way connection, allowing the server and node to send messages to each other in real time.

FF_AGENT_MODE=Signalr

Polling

This mode uses an HTTP/REST-based connection. The server cannot push messages to nodes directly; instead, the node (connector agent) periodically polls the server for updates. The server can then include any relevant information in the response.

This connection mode should only be used if you experience issues with the SignalR connection.

FF_AGENT_MODE=Polling