# Connect an OCPI/OCN Party to a Node

![Connect to an existing OCN node](https://2400236058-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-M_pXALj14Egb-5Bal_p%2Fuploads%2FbXi0cAwxGkKokN7wHFO2%2FOCN-Node-Operator.png?alt=media\&token=fd01679f-0fcf-46a8-8c47-78df0482d4ca)

### Overview

The most common use case of the Open Charging Network describes an [eMobility Service Provider (eMSP)](https://docs.energyweb.org/legacy-documentation/glossary-of-terms#e-mobility-service-provider-esmp) or [Charge Point Operator (CPO)](https://docs.energyweb.org/legacy-documentation/glossary-of-terms#charge-point-operator-cpo) connecting their backend service to an [OCN Node](https://docs.energyweb.org/legacy-documentation/glossary-of-terms#open-charge-network-ocn-node). An OCN node provides an entry point into the system, *so a party must connect to an OCN node in order to participate in the network.* 

Follow these steps in order to successfully connect your own backend service. 

1. [Make your backend service OCN-ready (implement the OCPI 2.2 API and OCN Signature)](https://shareandcharge.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/OCN/pages/407207959)
2. [Select an OCN Node and enter details in OCN Registry](https://shareandcharge.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/OCN/pages/407273504/Select+an+OCN-Node+and+enter+details+in+OCN-Registry)
3. [Manage your White- and Blacklist](https://shareandcharge.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/OCN/pages/409370636/Manage+your+White-+and+Blacklist)
4. [Connect your service to an OCN Node](https://shareandcharge.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/OCN/pages/409239555/Connect+your+service+to+an+OCN-Node)

\*Note that not only MSPs and CPOs can use the Open Charging Network, but these are the most common roles.

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**Tutorial on connecting a party at minute 12:29**
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Access the full OCN technical documentation [here](https://shareandcharge.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/OCN-Documentation-v1.1.pdf)
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