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> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.nvidia.com/nemoclaw/llms.txt.
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# Configure Memory Search

> Configure OpenClaw memory search to use an embedding model from a host Ollama container.

Configure OpenClaw memory search to use an embedding model from a host Ollama container.
This setup lets another local server, such as managed vLLM, continue to serve the chat model.

## Prepare the Embedding Server

Before you continue, ensure that a host Ollama container is running on port `11434` and has the `qwen3-embedding:4b` model available.
This procedure does not start the container or pull the model.

The sandbox reaches the container through `http://host.openshell.internal:11434`.
Keep the container bound to the local host or a reviewed host interface.
Port `11434` is commonly unauthenticated.
Allow it only from the OpenShell Docker bridge or an equivalent local container network.

## Permit the Bridge Route

The `local-inference` policy preset permits the sandbox to reach the host bridge.
Apply the preset, then verify the Ollama API from the sandbox.

```bash
nemoclaw my-assistant policy add local-inference --yes
nemoclaw my-assistant exec -- curl -fsS http://host.openshell.internal:11434/api/tags
```

Continue only when the returned JSON `models` array contains an entry whose `name` is `qwen3-embedding:4b`.

## Configure the Embedding Provider

Define an Ollama provider, select it for memory search, and restart OpenClaw.

```bash
nemoclaw my-assistant config set \
  --key models.providers.ollama-mem \
  --value '{"api":"ollama","baseUrl":"http://host.openshell.internal:11434","apiKey":"x","models":[{"id":"qwen3-embedding:4b","name":"Qwen3 embedding 4B"}]}' \
  --config-accept-new-path

nemoclaw my-assistant config set \
  --key agents.defaults.memorySearch.provider \
  --value ollama-mem \
  --config-accept-new-path \
  --restart
```

The host-side `config set` command accepts the bridge URL only for supported provider `baseUrl` fields.
Generic configuration keys and other private URL shapes remain rejected.

## Rebuild and Verify the Index

An existing index can report an identity mismatch after its embedding provider changes.
Inspect the index, rebuild it, and verify the configured memory provider.

```bash
nemoclaw my-assistant exec -- openclaw memory status --index
nemoclaw my-assistant exec -- openclaw memory index --force
nemoclaw my-assistant exec -- openclaw memory status --deep
```

Add `--agent <id>` to each `openclaw memory` command for a non-default OpenClaw agent.

## Related Topics

* [Set Up Ollama](../inference/local-inference/set-up-ollama) for the host Ollama lifecycle and authenticated chat proxy.
* [Apply Policy Presets](../network-policy/configure-policies/apply-policy-presets) for managed network-policy access.
* [Understand Runtime Changes](../manage-sandboxes/configure-sandboxes/understand-runtime-changes) for configuration mutations.