# Introduction

## What is Explorer?

[Explorer](https://dnastack.com/explorer/) is a federated data hub that enables researchers to discover, access, and analyze distributed biomedical datasets through a unified interface.

## How it Works

Explorer provides streamlined access to datasets through a standards-compliant interface. You can search across multiple data networks while maintaining compliance with [Global Alliance for Genomics & Health (GA4GH)](https://www.ga4gh.org/) standards. The platform supports both public datasets and controlled access data through secure authentication.

## Key Features

* **Comprehensive Search:** Search for public and private datasets ([Collections](https://docs.omics.ai/products/publisher/collections)) by name, description, and tags
* **Unified Interface:** Access a global federated network of datasets through a single, standardized interface
* **Interactive Data Exploration:** Navigate data through faceted search UI and SQL-based API
* **Secure Authentication:** Login with [Passport](https://docs.omics.ai/products/passport) to access controlled data with a single identity
* **Standards Compliance:** Full compatibility with open [GA4GH](https://www.ga4gh.org/) standards
* **Integrated Analysis Tools:** Connect with [Workbench](https://docs.omics.ai/products/workbench) for bioinformatics processing, [Jupyter Notebooks](https://jupyter.org/) for interactive visualizations, [TensorFlow](https://www.tensorflow.org/) for machine learning, and [integrate.ai](https://www.integrate.ai/) for federated learning
* **Customizable Portal:** Create a branded portal with a custom URL, hero image, mission statement, and color scheme
* **Cross-Organization Networking:** Create internal portals or build networks across organizations while maintaining data control through [Publisher](https://docs.omics.ai/products/publisher)

## Available Explorer Networks from [DNAstack](https://www.dnastack.com/)

Explorer powers several specialized research networks, including:

* [Viral AI](https://viral.ai/) - For viral genomics research
* [Neuroscience AI](https://neuroscience.ai/collections) - For neuroscience data exploration
* [Oncology AI](https://oncology.ai/) - For cancer research datasets
* [Rare Disease AI](https://raredisease.ai/collections)  - For rare disease research
* Additional specialized networks available

## Getting Started with Explorer

To begin exploring datasets:

1. Create a [Passport](https://docs.omics.ai/products/passport) account or sign in with your existing credentials
2. Browse available public datasets immediately
3. Request access to controlled datasets as needed

{% hint style="info" %}
All Explorer networks use Passport authentication, allowing you to access multiple data resources with a single secure identity.
{% endhint %}