# Starting a Network Data Stream

Before establishing a TCP connection between EmotivPRO and D-Lab, you need to create a “Network Data Stream” on D-Lab software, and set up the configuration for the data channel list and IP address and port of the TCP server.

1. Open D-Lab software.
2. Click on “Plan”.
3. Click on “Recording Devices”.
4. Click on the blue plus symbol next to Network Data Stream to update the configuration.
5. Load a [D-Lab settings file which was exported from EmotivPRO](https://emotiv.gitbook.io/emotivpro-v3/d-lab-client/exporting-d-lab-settings-from-emotivpro).\
   \&#xNAN;*N.B.: You might need to change the port number here to make sure that there is a unique port number for the data stream. The port number range is from 1-65535.*
6. Click “OK” to create a TCP server.
7. Select the desired data streams.
8. Open EmotivPRO and go to Settings.
9. Click on “D-Lab Client”.
10. Click “Start”. You will now see the “Connected” status, which means you have a successful connection.\
    \&#xNAN;*N.B.: After clicking "Start", the IP address and port of the selected data stream will be saved locally, and the selection will be loaded for the next use.*