# Configuring interfaces for IPS engines

The interface configuration for Single IPS engines and IPS Clusters consists of several main steps.

Follow these general steps to configure IPS interfaces:

1. Define the required number of Physical Interfaces.
2. Add the required number of VLANs.
3. Add IP addresses or a traffic inspection role to the interface.
   - IP addresses are required for interfaces that are used for system communications.
   - Interfaces that have a traffic inspection role work transparently in the network and do not have IP addresses.
4. Select the interfaces that are used for system communications.