> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://run-ai-docs.nvidia.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://run-ai-docs.nvidia.com/self-hosted/2.21/getting-started/installation.md).

# Installation

## NVIDIA Run:ai Components

As part of the installation process, you will install:

* A [control plane](/self-hosted/2.21/getting-started/installation/install-using-helm/install-control-plane.md) managing cluster/s
* One or more [clusters](/self-hosted/2.21/getting-started/installation/install-using-helm/helm-install.md)

Both the control plane and clusters require Kubernetes. Typically, the control plane and first cluster are installed on the same Kubernetes cluster.

## Installation Types

The self-hosted option is for organizations that cannot use a SaaS solution due to data leakage concerns. NVIDIA Run:ai self-hosting comes with two variants:

| Type       | Description                                                                           |
| ---------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Connected  | The organization can freely download from the internet (though upload is not allowed) |
| Air-gapped | The organization has no connection to the internet                                    |


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