Step 2: Deploy a Node

Launch your first ControlBird instance in the cloud.

Sign Up
2
Node
3
Access
4
Architecture
5
Explore
6
Connect
7
Automate
8
History
9
Alarms
10
Users
11
Access+
12
Scripts
13
Logs
14
Dashboards
15
Builders
16
Kiosks
17
Themes
18
Config
19
Audio
20
Failover
21
Email

Full reference

For complete details, field tables, and limitations, see the Cloud Management reference.

What is a Node?

A node is a running instance of ControlBird: your personal hub for connecting and managing devices. Each node provides:

  • Device Connections: Built-in support for Modbus, MQTT, OPC UA, DNP3, and more
  • Real-time Data: See device values update instantly as they change
  • Visual Interface: A desktop-style UI that's easy to navigate
  • Custom Integrations: APIs to connect with your own apps and dashboards

Cloud Nodes

ControlBird Cloud is free for personal use (commercial use requires a license: contact sales@controlbird.io), and every node is the same full ControlBird: every protocol, the historian, alarms, ControlBird AI, and white labeling. Each account can run up to 3 nodes.

Deploying Your Node

Configure your node's identity:

FieldDescriptionExample
Node NameA unique, memorable identifiermy-home-hub, greenhouse-01
RegionDeployment location (affects latency)US East, EU West, Asia Pacific
Node deployment form
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Configure your node's name and deployment settings

Deployment Progress

After clicking "Deploy", watch as your node is provisioned:

1
CreatingInfrastructure provisioning
→
2
StartingServices initializing
→
3
RunningReady to use
Node creating status
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The node shows 'Creating' status while infrastructure is provisioned
Node running status
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Once running, your node is ready to access

What Happens Next

When your node starts, ControlBird automatically sets up everything you need to start connecting devices. Your configuration is saved automatically, so you won't lose anything if you need to restart.

Troubleshooting

My node is stuck on "Creating"

Node creation can sometimes take a bit longer during high demand periods. If your node has been creating for more than 5-10 minutes:

  • Refresh the page to get the latest status
  • Check the system status page for any ongoing issues
  • Try deploying in a different region
Node shows "Error" status

If your node failed to start:

  • Click on the node to see detailed error information
  • Try deleting and recreating the node
  • If the problem persists, contact support with your node ID
How many nodes can I run?

Each account can run up to 3 nodes on ControlBird Cloud. Every node has the same features.

What's Next?

Your ControlBird node is now running. Let's open it and explore the desktop interface.