# LightNet basics

## Communication channels

To establish a working setup between machines, LightAct uses 3 communication channels:

* **LightNet**: this communication channel is for cluster and role management and real-time edits
* **LightSync**: this channel is for frame-locking of different machines.
* **Asset transfer**: this channel is for asset transfer. LightAct is using Robocopy for that.

## File management

Primary machine is responsible for project file management and Asset ingestion and distribution. Usually the process is as follows:

1. the **Project folder** is established on the Primary machine.
2. **Primary transfers** the entire Project folder to all the machines in the cluster into their ***LightNetProjects*** folder and opened there.
3. **Real-time edits** are transfered in real-time as long as LightNet connection is active.
4. **Asset ingestion** and **distribution across the cluster** is managed from the **Primary**.

## Setting up LightNet Cluster

To set up a LightNet cluster, the following steps must be done:

1. [**Network setup**](/lightnet/network-setup.md): in this step you will:
   1. set up **LightNetProjects folder** on all machines,
   2. set up **LightNet Network properties** and determine which Network Interface Card (NIC) will be used for which LightNet communication channel.
2. [**Setup the cluster**](/lightnet/lightnet-clusters.md) means:
   1. **Scanning** the network and find all the machines on the network.
   2. **Assigning correct role** to every machine
   3. **Establishing LightNet Cluster**
   4. Establishing **LightSync** connection.

In subsequent pages we will proceed step-by-step.


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