Homelab README

Overview

This homelab is set up to provide a hands-on learning environment for cloud computing, containerization, and infrastructure management. It consists of several virtual machines (VMs) configured to simulate a real-world cloud environment.

Architecture

• VM 1: Ubuntu Server (Kubernetes Control Plane)

  • Role: Kubernetes Control Plane Node or Docker Host
  • Purpose: Manage Kubernetes clusters or run containerized applications.

• VM 2: Rocky Linux (Database Server)

  • Role: Database Server (e.g., PostgreSQL, MySQL)
  • Purpose: Host databases and learn about data storage in the cloud.

• VM 3: Windows Server 2022

  • Role: Windows-based Application Server
  • Purpose: Run Windows-specific applications, Active Directory, or IIS for web services.

• VM 4: Alpine Linux (Docker Host)

  • Role: Lightweight Container Host
  • Purpose: Run Docker containers with minimal resource overhead.

• VM 5: Client VM(s)

  • Role: Test access and interaction with the services provided by the server VMs.
  • Purpose: Simulate client access to the deployed services and applications.

Installation and Configuration

1. Ubuntu Server Setup

1. Install Kubernetes:

   • Follow the instructions to install Kubernetes and set up the control plane.

2. Install Docker (Optional):

   • apt-get update && apt-get install docker.io

3. Deploy Applications:

   • Create Kubernetes deployment and service files.
   • Deploy your applications using:

     kubectl apply -f <deployment-file>.yaml

2. Rocky Linux Setup

1. Install and Configure Database:

   • Install PostgreSQL/MySQL:

     • apk add postgresql postgresql-contrib  # For PostgreSQL
       apk add mysql mysql-client            # For MySQL

   • Set up databases and users:

     psql -U postgres
     CREATE DATABASE student_db;
     CREATE USER student_user WITH ENCRYPTED PASSWORD 'your_password';
     GRANT ALL PRIVILEGES ON DATABASE student_db TO student_user;

2. Ensure Connectivity:

   • Verify that the database server is accessible from other VMs.

3. Windows Server 2022 Setup

1. Install and Configure Services:
   • Set up Active Directory, IIS, or other required services.
   • Configure user permissions and network settings.

4. Alpine Linux Setup

1. Install Docker:

   • apk update
     apk add docker

2. Run Docker Containers:

   • Build and run Docker containers for lightweight application deployment.

5. Client VM Setup

1. Install Client Software:
   • Set up necessary software to interact with services running on the server VMs.
   • Ensure network connectivity between client and server VMs.

Testing and Verification

1. Application Testing:

   • Access applications through exposed services or IP addresses.
   • Verify functionality and connectivity.

2. Database Testing:

   • Ensure that the database server is properly integrated with deployed applications.

3. Service Verification:

   • Check the status and logs of services running on all VMs.

Troubleshooting

1. Check Logs:

   • Use kubectl logs, docker logs, or service-specific logs to diagnose issues.

2. Verify Connectivity:

   • Ensure network configurations and firewall rules are correctly set.

3. Reconfigure Services:

   • Edit configuration files or redeploy services as needed.

Additional Resources

• Kubernetes Documentation
• Docker Documentation
• Alpine Linux Documentation
• Rocky Linux Documentation

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See LICENSE for details.