BestNav ships a built-in MCP server (endpoint POST /api/mcp). Once connected, you can ask an AI assistant in natural language to query panel status, toggle Docker containers, trigger backups/scans and more — these actions are the same source as clicking in the Control Room and obey the same permissions.
Diagram: an AI assistant connects to BestNav over MCP; the server invokes the control layer per your permissions.
Prerequisites
A BestNav instance reachable from where your AI assistant runs (HTTPS + a domain recommended)
Signed in as an admin — free members and member accounts cannot generate tokens
An MCP client that supports remote servers (e.g. Claude Desktop, Cursor)
Get Endpoint & Token
After signing in, open Settings → General → MCP Access (console and desktop also expose a native entry in the right rail / settings hub) and click “Generate Token”. You get a dedicated access token valid for 90 days.
Endpoint: like https://your-domain/api/mcp
Token: shown in plaintext only once at generation; regenerate anytime (old one revoked immediately)
One-click copy: the panel offers “Copy client config” to get ready-to-paste JSON
Security: the token is an access credential — never leak it or commit it to a repo; changing your login password invalidates it.
Claude Desktop
Open the Claude Desktop config (Settings → Developer → Edit Config) and add a BestNav entry under mcpServers, replacing url with your endpoint and Authorization with your token:
Save and restart Claude Desktop, then ask Claude to call BestNav tools (list containers, toggle services, trigger backups, and more).
Cursor
In Cursor Settings → MCP, add a new Remote server with the endpoint URL and Bearer token. Once connected, Cursor pulls the live tool list (filtered by your permissions).
Type: choose Remote (SSE/HTTP)
URL: https://your-domain/api/mcp
Headers: Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN
Security & Permissions
Dedicated token: MCP uses a separate JWT (Type=mcp), isolated from login sessions, revoked on rotation
Server-side stamping: tools/call source is stamped by the server, never self-reported by the client
Permission filtering: tools/list reflects real-time availability and your permissions