# Getting started (/docs/direct-connect/getting-started)



To start using the direct connect service, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the **Networks** → **Direct Connect** section of the menu of the [Customer Portal](https://portal.servers.com)
2. Click **Add connection** on the [Direct Connect page](https://portal.servers.com/networks/dc)
3. Select a necessary location. You will see logos of major hosting providers with whom you can establish a connection. This is not an exhaustive list
4. Give the details of a **Destination point**, such as the location, provider and a device to connect
5. Select the **Type** of the connection: L2 or L3. Currently, L2 is available by default. Contact your account manager to get more details on L3 direct connect
6. Select the **Connection** type: single or redundant
7. Specify whether **Cross-connect** is required:
   * When a cross-connect is required, it will be set up and managed by Servers.com
   * Otherwise, Servers.com will send you the Letter of Authorization (LOA), so that you can establish physical connection yourself
8. Give a **Name** to a direct connect service

If any additional information is needed, you will be contacted by the Servers.com team. When the connection is finally set up and ready to use, you will receive an email notification.

Once the direct connect setup is over, add the connection to an [L2 segment](https://portal.servers.com/networks/l2). Thus, your direct connect will become accessible within the Global Private Network.