---
title: "Configuring the AppGate SDP Ax-M Hardware Connector"
slug: "configuring-the-appgate-sdp-ax-m-hardware-connector"
description: "Learn to configure and reinstall the AppGate Ax-M Hardware Connector with step-by-step instructions for optimal performance and setup."
updated: 2025-12-13T14:49:21Z
published: 2025-12-13T14:49:21Z
canonical: "support.appgate.com/configuring-the-appgate-sdp-ax-m-hardware-connector"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.appgate.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Configuring the AppGate SDP Ax-M Hardware Connector

This article is intended to supplement the instructions in the [Appliance installation](/v1/docs/appliance-installation) (**Getting started > Appliance installation**) in your ***AppGate SDP Admin Guide*** while performing the tasks detailed in this article.

## About the AppGate SDP Ax-M Hardware Connector

Connectors can be an Ax-M Hardware appliance shipped to customers imaged with the version of AppGate SDP corresponding to their AppGate SDP license. Upgrades during shipping or misconfigurations may require re-imaging with a different version of SDP.

## Configuring an AppGate SDP Appliance Using a Seed File

Configuring (seeding) an appliance involves copying the seed file to the local file system (**/home/cz**), as follows:

**NOTES:** AppGate SDP Support recommends being in direct contact (email or chat) with the AppGate SDP Admin who will generate and provide the seed file in JSON format. For an initial appliance configuration, it is easier to configure the networking elements with no roles assigned, so that it will join as a "spare" unit. The remainder of the configuration can be performed later from the SDP Admin console.

1. Prepare a USB drive (FAT32-formatted), of any size.
2. Copy the seed file to the root of the USB drive. The seed file can be renamed, but the filename must end in "-seed.json".
3. Connect a keyboard and screen to the appliance (this allows you to confirm that the seed is read correctly).
4. If the appliance is not running, power it on and allow it to start.
5. Insert the USB drive. A "Appliance seed configuration file picked up..." message appears on the screen.
6. After a short time, the new appliance should be visible in the SDP Dashboard, and the USB drive can be removed.

## Reinstalling AppGate SDP on a Hardware Appliance

**NOTE:** Because hardware appliances are delivered with the software preinstalled, reinstallation is rarely necessary. If there is a problem with the configuration, it can be restored to unconfigured with the following command: **sudo cz-config wipe-appliance --wipe-all --force** If a newer version is desired, the upgrade file can be transferred using a USB drive and the following command: **sudo cz-config upgrade <filename>**

### Manually Reinstalling AppGate SDP on a Hardware Appliance

1. Download the installer ISO (file size will be approximately 1.3 to 2GB).
2. Prepare a USB drive (FAT32-formatted) of the necessary size.

**NOTE:** If it is not re-formatted, delete any other files on USB drive.

1. Attach a keyboard and screen to the appliance.
2. On Windows, right-click on the ISO file and select "**Mount**". Linux and MacOS have similar options. The installer filesystem will appear as a DVD drive.
3. Select all files and folders from the DVD and copy them into the root of the USB drive.
4. Confirm that the files are successfully copied to USB drive, eject the USB drive, and insert it into a USB port on the appliance.
5. Power on the appliance. If the Power-on sequence does not prompt for installation of AppGate SDP, adjust the BIOS boot sequence to make the USB drive the first option.
6. Once the appliance is booting from the USB drive, the installer will ask "Are you sure? (y/n)". Enter **y** to begin writing to the disk.

The installation takes a short time to complete, and will then reboot into the new AppGate system. The appliance is then ready to be configured or seeded as necessary.