# Authentication

## Authentication

Pulsar MCP Server uses bearer token authentication for beta access participants.

***

### Getting Your Bearer Token

#### Free Beta Program

We're offering free limited betaaccess to the first batch of **AI agent builders**.

**To request access:**

* 📧 Email: <ole@askpulsar.com>
* 💬 Telegram: [@olenovyk](https://t.me/olenovyk)
* 🐦 Twitter: [@olenovyk](https://twitter.com/olenovyk)

**Include in your request:**

* Brief description of your agent project
* Expected usage volume (requests per day)
* Integration timeline
* Any specific channels you want monitored

**Response time:** Within 24 hours

***

### Using Your Bearer Token

#### In MCP Client Configuration

Add the token to your MCP client headers:

**For HTTP Transport (Claude Desktop, Windsurf, etc.):**

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pulsar": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.askpulsar.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer your-token-here"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

**For SSE Transport (ElizaOS, real-time frameworks):**

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pulsar": {
      "type": "sse",
      "url": "https://mcp.askpulsar.com/mcp/sse",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer your-token-here"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

#### That's It!

Once your MCP client is configured with the bearer token, it will automatically:

* Discover all Pulsar tools
* Handle authentication on every request
* Manage the protocol communication

**You just interact with your agent naturally:**

* "List all channels"
* "Summarize Virtuals Protocol"
* "Search for AI agent news"

The MCP client and server handle everything else.

***

### Rate Limits

**With Bearer Token:**

* ✅ 60 requests per minute (dedicated)
* ✅ Burst allowance up to 100 requests
* ✅ Not shared with other users
* ✅ Production-ready

**Without Token (Testing Only):**

* ⚠️ 60 requests per minute (shared across all anonymous users)
* ⚠️ Subject to throttling during peak times
* ⚠️ Not recommended for production agents

***

### Security Best Practices

#### ✅ Do This

**Store in Environment Variables:**

```bash
export PULSAR_TOKEN="your-token-here"
```

**Use Secrets Manager:**

```python
import os
BEARER_TOKEN = os.getenv("PULSAR_TOKEN")
```

**Rotate Periodically:** Contact us if you need to rotate your token for security reasons.

#### ❌ Don't Do This

* ❌ Never commit tokens to git
* ❌ Don't hardcode in source code
* ❌ Don't share between projects
* ❌ Don't expose in client-side code

***

### Troubleshooting

#### Error: "Invalid bearer token"

**Possible causes:**

* Token is incorrectly copied (extra spaces)
* Wrong header format
* Token has been revoked

**Solution:**

1. Verify header format: `Authorization: Bearer <token>`
2. Check for extra whitespace
3. Contact us if issue persists

#### Error: "Rate limit exceeded"

**Possible causes:**

* Making >60 requests per minute
* Burst limit exceeded

**Solution:**

1. Implement exponential backoff
2. Add delays between requests
3. Contact us if you need higher limits

#### Error: "Missing authorization header"

**Possible causes:**

* Header not included in request
* MCP client config incorrect

**Solution:**

1. Verify header is set in config
2. Check MCP client syntax
3. See examples above

***

### Token Management

#### Getting a New Token

If you lose your token or need to rotate it:

* Email <ole@askpulsar.com>
* Include your original request details
* New token provided within 24 hours

#### Revoking Access

To revoke your token:

* Email <ole@askpulsar.com>
* Token will be deactivated immediately

***

### Beta Program Details

**What's Included:**

* Free MCP server access
* Dedicated rate limits (60 req/min)
* 1:1 integration support
* Early influence over features
* Lifetime discounted pricing (after beta)

**Duration:**

* Free while in beta
* We'll notify before any pricing changes
* Beta participants get special pricing

**Limitations:**

* Limited to first 10 builders
* Subject to fair use policy
* Must be for legitimate agent development

***

### Need Help?

**Get Support:**

* 📧 Email: <ole@askpulsar.com>
* 💬 Telegram: [@olenovyk](https://t.me/olenovyk)
* 🐦 Twitter: [@olenovyk](https://twitter.com/olenovyk)

**Request Features:**

* Need specific channels monitored?
* Want custom rate limits?
* Have integration questions?

We're here to help you succeed!