# Connecting your hub

Each workspace runs one SQRL Lightning hub. Connect yours in Hub settings, fund it, connect merchants and wallets, and assign each channel its job. There is nothing to install in the desk and no key to keep in it.

> Part of the SQRL documentation, section "SQRL Markets".
> Rendered page: https://docs.sqrl.tech/markets/getting-started/connecting-your-hub

**Required permissions:** Manage workspace settings (`MANAGE_WORKSPACE`).

## Choosing a hub

Open **Hub settings** and select **Connect hub**.

* **Your own hub.** One you run, on your own machine or server. You hold every key, fund the liquidity pools, and open channels to your counterparties.
* **A hub SQRL runs for you.** SQRL hosts and operates the hub; you price corridors and settle payments from the desk, with no node to maintain.
* **Public testnet hub.** Free to use with test coins only, for trying the desk end to end.

Enter the hub's **Address**, its **Network** (Mainnet, Testnet, Signet or Regtest; a mainnet hub must use https) and a **Name**, then select **Connect hub**. You can change it later with **Save hub**.

## How the desk reads the hub

Any operator with the desk open reads the hub and reports a snapshot every minute. The node card shows when the hub last reported. If no snapshot arrives for ten minutes, the desk raises a **Hub not reporting** alert.

## Setting up

The Overview tab of Hub settings walks you through three steps:

1. **Fund the hub.** Select **Fund the hub** to show its on-chain address and QR code.
2. **Connect merchants and wallets.** Open channels to your merchants and payment rails through [Operations](/markets/operations).
3. **Assign the channels.** Label each channel as Merchant, Rail, Routing or Bridge, and name the merchant a merchant channel pays. See [Hub settings](/markets/hub).