Device & Container Infrastructure
Understand the automated deployment and setup process in UMH’s Device &
Container Infrastructure.
2 minute read
The Device & Container Infrastructure in the United Manufacturing Hub automates the deployment and setup of the data infrastructure in various environments. It is tailored for Edge deployments, particularly in Demilitarized Zones, to minimize latency on-premise, and also extends into the Cloud to harness its functionalities. It consists of several interconnected components:
- Provisioning Server: Manages the initial bootstrapping of devices, including iPXE configuration and ignition file distribution.
- Flatcar Image Server: A central repository hosting various versions of Flatcar Container Linux images, ensuring easy access and version control.
- Customized iPXE: A specialized bootloader configured to streamline the initial boot process by fetching UMH-specific settings and configurations.
- First and Second Stage Flatcar OS: A two-stage operating system setup where the first stage is a temporary OS used for installing the second stage, which is the final operating system equipped with specific configurations and tools.
- Installation Script: An automated script hosted at management.umh.app, responsible for setting up and configuring the Kubernetes environment.
- Kubernetes (k3s): A lightweight Kubernetes setup that forms the backbone of the container orchestration system.
This infrastructure ensures a streamlined, automated installation process, laying a robust foundation for the United Manufacturing Hub’s operation.
graph LR
16["`**Management Console**
Configures, manages, and monitors Data and Device & Container Infrastructures in the UMH Integrated Platform`"]
style 16 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
29["`**Provisioning Server**
Handles device bootstrapping, including iPXE configuration and ignition file distribution.`"]
style 29 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
30["`**Flatcar Image Server**
Hosts Flatcar Container Linux images, providing a central repository for version management.`"]
style 30 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
subgraph 27 [Device & Container Infrastructure]
style 27 fill:#ffffff,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#47a0b5
28["`**Installation Script**
This script automates the Kubernetes environment setup and configuration.`"]
style 28 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
31["`**Kubernetes**
Core of the container orchestration system, featuring a lightweight Kubernetes setup.`"]
style 31 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
32["`**Customized iPXE**
Configured bootloader for fetching UMH-specific settings, optimizing the initial boot process.`"]
style 32 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
33["`**First Stage Flatcar OS**
Transitional OS used during the installation of the permanent Flatcar OS.`"]
style 33 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
34["`**Second Stage Flatcar OS**
Final operating system, equipped with specific configurations and essential tools.`"]
style 34 fill:#aaaaaa,stroke:#47a0b5,color:#000000
end
32-. "Downloads specified
Flatcar version for
initial boot." .->30
33-. "Retrieves image for
second-stage Flatcar OS." .->30
34-. "Regularly checks for
OS updates." .->30
32-. "Initiates boot-up of
first-stage OS." .->33
32-. "Requests configuration and
retrieves iPXE config." .->29
33-. "Installs second-stage
Flatcar OS." .->34
33-. "Fetches ignition config with
installation script." .->29
34-. "Executes installation script." .->28
34-. "Acquires token-specific
ignition config." .->29
28-. "Installs Kubernetes (k3s) and
required tools, then deploys
the Data Infrastructure." .->31
28-. "Deploys Management
Companion into Kubernetes." .->16
Last modified January 22, 2024: Update version (074cc23)