# Connections

This overview collects key resources for our connections.

## Device categories

We offer connections to devices through our [API](https://developers.enode.com/api/) in the following categories — vehicles, chargers, HVACs, solar inverters, batteries and meters. Find relevant information and documentation for each category below.

| Category | API endpoints | API documentation |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Vehicles** | `/vehicles/*` | [View](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#vehicles) |
| **Chargers** | `/chargers/*` | [View](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#chargers) |
| **HVACs** | `/hvacs/*` | [View](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#hvac) |
| **Solar inverters** | `/inverters/*` | [View](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#solar-inverters) |
| **Batteries** | `/batteries/*` | [View](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#batteries) |
| **Meters** | `/meters/*` | [View](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#meters) |

## Brands and models

In our API, a hardware brand (e.g., **Tesla**) is referred to as a `vendor` or `brand`. Brands usually have multiple models (e.g., **Model S P85**). For a list of supported brands and models, see our [brands overview](https://developers.enode.com/brands).

Manual activation of certain brands and models: Most brands and models are activated by default. However, some require activation upon request (indicated in the **Activation Required** column). This is either due to our implementation work being in progress (reflected as an **Integration status** of **Beta**) or frequent issues with vendor APIs (reflected via the **Reliability** score).

## Connection capabilities

The [brands overview](https://developers.enode.com/brands) displays key device information, implementation status, and supported capabilities for each brand and model.

Capabilities represent our API's ability to retrieve information, perform actions, or use [Optimize features](https://enode.io/optimize) (e.g., [smart charging](https://developers.enode.com/docs/smart-charging/introduction) or [scheduling](https://developers.enode.com/docs/scheduling)) for a specific model.

Browsing connections capabilities: When browsing the connection capabilities overview, access descriptions for each piece of information by clicking the `Help` button or individual buttons per model.

### Interventions

For certain brands and models, some or all capabilities must be unlocked via an [intervention](https://developers.enode.com/docs/interventions) performed by the user.

Examples could be signing up for first-party user accounts, signing up for a subscription, changing settings in the first-party app, or changing settings on the device itself.

Where to find interventions: Please refer to our [interventions guide](https://developers.enode.com/docs/interventions#accessing-interventions-via-our-api) on how to use our interventions API, or find specific interventions in the [intervention overview](https://developers.enode.com/interventions).

### Accessing a connected device's capabilities

A connected device always includes a `capabilities` object, providing a real-time description of the device's capabilities. Use this information to adapt your user experience, ensuring, for example, that unsupported actions are disabled or unavailable information is hidden.

```json
{
  "id": "8d90101b-3f2f-462a-bbb4-1ed320d33bbe",
  "vendor": "TESLA",
  "capabilities": {
    "chargeState": {
      "isCapable": false,
      "interventionIds": [
        "c8a9fe78-44fd-482a-bebc-ef6047e6c0fe",
      ]
    },
    "information": {
      "isCapable": true,
      "interventionIds": []
    },
    { ... }
  },
  { ... }
}
```

## Connection statuses

The connection status for different vendors (brands) is available on our external [status page](https://status.enode.io/).

## Connecting to devices

Connect to a user's device by [linking a vendor to a user](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#postUsersUseridLink) using [Link UI](https://developers.enode.com/docs/link-ui/introduction), a simple web interface for accessing users' hardware.

A user can link to multiple vendors across various categories. Once your [user](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#getUser) links to one or more vendors, you can access all devices available through the linked vendor's APIs.

Getting started: For a quick overview of the linking process, see our [getting started guides](https://developers.enode.com/docs/getting-started).

## Interacting with connected devices

Interact with connected devices via the respective API endpoints, e.g., `/vehicles/*`. Each device receives a unique `id` upon linking, which you can use to fetch information or perform actions.

### Response times

When interacting with connected devices through our API, various delays and timing characteristics arise. Factors include vendor API response times, model-specific characteristics, and temporary vendor issues.

You don't need to know the specifics of these delays for each brand and model, but you can refer to the **Reliability** score in our [brands overview](https://developers.enode.com/brands). A lower **Reliability** score typically indicates longer delays.

More on response times: For information about response times and examples of delays on specific endpoints, consult the [response times](https://developers.enode.com/api/reference#response-times) section in our API reference.

If you experience unusually long response times with a specific device, brand, or model during development or production, check our [status page](https://status.enode.io/), review the **Reliability** score for the specific model in our [brands overview](https://developers.enode.com/brands), or [contact us](https://developers.enode.com/support/report-an-issue) for assistance.