> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.asktable.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Channels

> A channel connects an agent to external IM tools like Feishu, so users can chat with it and ask data questions without logging in to AskTable. This page covers what a channel does, its configuration, and its connection status.

## What is a channel

A channel connects an [agent](/en/concepts/agent/overview) to an external IM tool. Once a channel is set up, users can talk to the agent and ask data questions without logging in to AskTable. **Feishu** is currently supported.

## What a channel does

Once you bind an agent to Feishu:

* Users @-mention or direct-message the bot in Feishu and ask questions in natural language
* The agent's answers are sent straight back to Feishu

It's two-way: messages come in, results go out. This brings data analysis right into where your team already communicates.

## Configuration

A Feishu channel includes:

| Field           | Description                                                                                  |
| --------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Name**        | The channel's display name                                                                   |
| **Type**        | Currently Feishu                                                                             |
| **Bound agent** | The agent this channel connects to — who answers                                             |
| **Credentials** | The Feishu app's App ID and App Secret, plus the optional Encrypt Key and Verification Token |
| **Enabled**     | A toggle; disabling it disconnects from Feishu and deletes the configuration                 |

## Connection status

After a channel is created, it shows a live connection status:

| Status           | Meaning                                                    |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Disconnected** | Not yet connected to Feishu                                |
| **Connecting**   | Establishing the connection                                |
| **Connected**    | Connected and able to send and receive messages            |
| **Error**        | Connection problem; check the credentials or configuration |

## Setup steps

Creating the Feishu app, obtaining credentials, and configuring permissions are covered in the Feishu integration guide.

## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Can an agent have multiple channels?**
A: Yes. An agent can be bound to multiple channels, but each channel maps to exactly one agent.

**Q: Who can use it in Feishu?**
A: Everyone by default. If the agent has permissions enabled, only allowlisted members can use it — see the permissions section of [Agents](/en/concepts/agent/overview).

**Q: Are platforms other than Feishu supported?**
A: Channels currently support Feishu only, with more platforms planned.