> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/managed-file-transfer/as2/as2-stations.md).

# Inbound AS2 Stations

Learn about how to configure Couchdrop to receive files via AS2

## Overview

Couchdrop supports inbound AS2 for receiving files securely from trading partners using the AS2 protocol.

To receive files over AS2, you create an **AS2 Station** in Couchdrop. Each station has its own AS2 ID and URL, and files received through the station are delivered to the folder or storage location you configure.

You can then add one or more **AS2 Trading Partners** to the station using the AS2 ID and signing certificate provided by each partner.

### How an AS2 Stations work

An AS2 Station acts as the inbound AS2 endpoint for your trading partners.

Each partner sends files to the station's unique URL using the AS2 ID and certificate information you provide. Couchdrop validates the partner using the AS2 ID and signing certificate configured for that trading partner, then delivers received files to the folder selected for the station.

A single AS2 Station can have multiple trading partners configured.

***

## How to create an AS2 Station

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Before you start

To create an AS2 Station, you will need:

* Access to Couchdrop with the appropriate user rights. Contact your administrator if required.
* A folder location for received files, or the details and permissions required to configure a cloud storage connection.
* The **AS2 ID** for each trading partner that will send files to the station.
* The **signing certificate** provided by each trading partner.
  {% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create a new AS2 Station

In Couchdrop, click **Create New AS2 Station**.

Enter a name for the station so you can identify it in Couchdrop.

If you do not see this option, contact your Couchdrop administrator.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure the AS2 Station

Enter the **AS2 ID** for your station. You will provide this ID to trading partners that need to send files to the station.

Add the private key and public certificate used for:

* File decryption
* MDN (Message Disposition Notification) signing

You can use the same key pair for both decryption and signing, or configure a different key pair for each.

Select the location where received files will be stored. You can choose an existing folder or configure a new cloud storage connection.

Click **Save and Continue**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Add an AS2 Trading Partner

Click **Create New AS2 Trading Partner**.

Configure the partner using the information they have provided:

* **Name** — Enter a name to identify the trading partner.
* **AS2 ID** — Enter the partner's AS2 ID.
* **Signing Certificate** — Add the certificate supplied by the partner.

Click **Save and Back**.

The trading partner will appear in the **AS2 Trading Partners** table.

Repeat this step if additional trading partners need to send files to the station, then click **Save and Continue**.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Share your AS2 Station details

Provide the following information to each trading partner that will send files to your station:

* **Station AS2 ID**
* **Station URL**
* **Certificate for signing**
* **Certificate for encryption**

You can also use **Share Instructions** to send the station details to your trading partner.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## AS2 Station Settings

Additional settings can be configured for an AS2 Station during creation or after the station has been created.

### General settings

| Setting                             | Description                                                                                                               |
| ----------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Station Name**                    | Sets the name used to identify the AS2 Station in Couchdrop.                                                              |
| **Station AS2 ID**                  | Sets the AS2 identifier for the station. Share this value with trading partners that send files to the station.           |
| **Station Email**                   | Optional email address associated with the AS2 Station.                                                                   |
| **Storage Location**                | Sets where files received through the AS2 Station are saved.                                                              |
| **Certificate & Private Key Pairs** | Shows the certificate and private key pairs configured for **Encryption** and **Signing**, including their expiry status. |

### Notifications

Configure email notifications for successful or failed AS2 transfers, including optional custom recipients.

| Setting                            | Description                                                                            |
| ---------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Success notifications**          | Send an email when a transfer to the AS2 Station succeeds.                             |
| **Failure notifications**          | Send an email when a transfer to the AS2 Station fails.                                |
| **Custom notification recipients** | Send notifications to one or more custom email addresses using a comma-separated list. |

### Transfer Shield

Transfer Shield lets you define the type of content expected through the AS2 Station and apply controls when uploaded files do not match those expectations.

| Setting                           | Description                                                                      |
| --------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Enable Content Classification** | Classifies files uploaded through the AS2 Station using Couchdrop's DLP engine.  |
| **Block unclassified files**      | Denies a file if Transfer Shield cannot classify it for any reason.              |
| **Content Rule Groups**           | Applies a selected content rule group to files uploaded through the AS2 Station. |

***

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Can multiple trading partners use the same AS2 Station?</summary>

Yes. You can add multiple AS2 Trading Partners to a station. Each partner is configured with its own AS2 ID and signing certificate.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I use the same certificate for AS2 decryption and MDN signing?</summary>

Yes. You can use the same key pair for both, or configure separate key pairs for decryption and signing.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What information do I need from an AS2 trading partner?</summary>

You will need the partner's AS2 ID and signing certificate before adding them to the station.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What information do I need to give my trading partner?</summary>

Provide your Station AS2 ID, Station URL, signing certificate, and encryption certificate. You can also use the **Share Instructions** action in Couchdrop.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Where are files received through AS2 stored?</summary>

Files are delivered to the folder configured for the AS2 Station. This can be an existing Couchdrop folder or a location provided through a configured cloud storage connection.

</details>