> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.highlight.net/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.highlight.net/functionality/highlight-architecture.md). # Highlight Architecture ## Overview This page provides a high level overview with graphics showing how Highlight uses agents to collect data from private, public and hybrid networks. ## Private networks Pairs of Highlight agents are used to collect information from devices on a private network, then compress it, encrypt it and pass it back to the Highlight platform. The Highlight Agent software is free and installed on your own hardware. Refer to the [Specifications for minimum server requirements](https://help.highlight.net/functionality/server-specifications). ## Public networks Pairs of Highlight agents in the cloud are used to collect information from devices on the public network, then pass it back to the Highlight platform. ## Hybrid networks A combination of the previous two approaches is used for gathering data from a hybrid network. The Highlight Agent software is free and installed on your own hardware. Refer to the [Specifications for minimum server requirements](https://help.highlight.net/functionality/server-specifications). ## Related * **How Highlight provides security for SNMP access** * [How to install an agent (text)](https://help.highlight.net/device-setup/agent-installation) * **How to install an agent (video)** --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.highlight.net/functionality/highlight-architecture.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.