# Installation

## Installation Methods

NVIDIA Run:ai supports two installation methods:

<table><thead><tr><th width="273.640625">Method</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Install using Helm</td><td>The standard installation method using Helm charts. Provides full control and flexibility over configuration and deployment.</td></tr><tr><td>Install using Base Command Manager (BCM)</td><td>A guided installation method available through NVIDIA Base Command Manager (<code>cm-kubernetes-setup</code>) intended to simplify deployment, employing defaults meant to enable most NVIDIA Run:ai capabilities on NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD systems.</td></tr></tbody></table>

## NVIDIA Run:ai Components

As part of the installation process, you will install:

* A [control plane](/self-hosted/2.23/getting-started/installation/install-using-helm/install-control-plane.md) managing cluster/s
* One or more [clusters](/self-hosted/2.23/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 <a href="#installation-types" id="installation-types"></a>

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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