What is the SoLoPrint Bridge Connector and why is it required?
The Secure Middleman
The SoLoPrint Bridge is a lightweight Rust-based application that sits on your local network (usually installed directly alongside OctoPrint or Klipper on a Raspberry Pi).
Why not connect directly?
Your 3D printer and its OctoPrint server reside behind your home or business router's firewall. To access it from the beach using a mobile phone, you traditionally have two choices:
- Open your router ports (Port Forwarding), making your printer susceptible to ransomware.
- Set up a VPN.
The Bridge ignores both options. Instead, it securely dials out of your network to the SoLoPrint cloud, establishing a persistent, encrypted WebSocket tunnel. The SoLoPrint Dashboard then communicates exclusively through this tunnel.
Do I always need a Bridge?
Yes, unless you are using Bambu Lab Cloud natively.
However, if you wish to run your Bambu Lab printers in LAN-Only Mode to keep your files local, a Bridge on the same network is required to proxy the traffic.