OpenStack on Linux

1. Introduction

OpenStack is an open-source cloud computing platform that provides Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS). It allows users to deploy virtual machines and other instances that handle different tasks for managing a cloud environment.

2. Key Concepts

2.1. Components of OpenStack

Compute (Nova): Manages the lifecycle of compute instances.
Storage (Cinder): Provides block storage services.
Networking (Neutron): Manages networks and IP addresses.
Dashboard (Horizon): Web-based user interface for OpenStack.
Identity (Keystone): Provides authentication and authorization services.

Note: OpenStack is modular, meaning that each component can be used independently or in conjunction with others.

3. Installation

OpenStack can be installed using various methods; here, we'll use the Packstack installer for a quick setup.

3.1. Prerequisites

CentOS/RHEL 7 or 8 installed.
Root or sudo access.
Network connectivity for downloading packages.

3.2. Step-by-Step Installation

Follow these steps to install OpenStack:


# Update your system
sudo yum update -y

# Install Packstack
sudo yum install -y https://rdoproject.org/repos/rdo-release.rpm
sudo yum install -y openstack-packstack

# Run Packstack to install OpenStack
packstack --allinone

4. Configuration

4.1. Accessing the Dashboard

After installation, you can access the OpenStack dashboard using a web browser:


http:///dashboard

4.2. Basic Configuration

Configure your OpenStack settings by editing the configuration files located in:


/etc/keystone/keystone.conf
/etc/nova/nova.conf
/etc/neutron/neutron.conf

5. Best Practices

Always use the latest stable release of OpenStack.
Implement regular backups of your data and configuration.
Monitor your OpenStack environment using tools like Nagios or Zabbix.
Secure your OpenStack installation with firewalls and proper security groups.

6. FAQ

What is OpenStack?

OpenStack is a cloud computing platform that provides a set of services for managing compute, storage, and networking resources in a cloud environment.

Can OpenStack run on any Linux distribution?

Although OpenStack can run on various distributions, it is primarily tested on CentOS and Ubuntu.

Is OpenStack free?

Yes, OpenStack is open-source software and can be used for free. However, you may incur costs for underlying infrastructure and support.

7. Flowchart of OpenStack Architecture


graph TD;
    A[User] --> B[Dashboard];
    B --> C[API Service];
    C --> D[Nova];
    C --> E[Cinder];
    C --> F[Neutron];
    D --> G[Compute Node];
    E --> H[Storage Node];
    F --> I[Network Node];