i built a Raspberry Pi SUPER COMPUTER!! // ft. Kubernetes (k3s cluster w/ Rancher)

NetworkChuck・2 minutes read

The text details the process of creating a Raspberry Pi supercomputer using Kubernetes, learning crucial IT skills, installing k3s, and utilizing Rancher for cluster management, aiming to run various applications efficiently. It also explains the setup steps, node configuration, pod deployment, load balancing, and utilizing features like ingress and Helm charts to simplify the process of deploying applications on the Raspberry Pi cluster.

Insights

  • Creating a Raspberry Pi supercomputer using Kubernetes and Rancher Labs allows for efficient application distribution, load balancing, and scalability, enhancing performance and management of various applications like Minecraft.
  • Utilizing Box Boat engineers' assistance is crucial for effectively setting up Kubernetes on the Raspberry Pi cluster, providing guidance through the complex process and ensuring a smoother experience in managing cloud-native technologies.

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Recent questions

  • How can I create a Raspberry Pi supercomputer?

    To create a Raspberry Pi supercomputer, you will need 16 cores, 56 gigs of RAM, and Kubernetes knowledge. Install k3s on the Raspberry Pi's and cluster them using Rancher for management.

  • What is Kubernetes and why is it important?

    Kubernetes is a valuable skill in IT for managing containers efficiently. It orchestrates applications, allowing for scalability, load balancing, and performance optimization.

  • What tools are needed for a Raspberry Pi setup?

    For a Raspberry Pi setup, you'll need a Raspberry Pi, power supply, micro SD card, USB adapter, and at least 4 gigs of RAM. A headless install is recommended.

  • How do I deploy applications on a Raspberry Pi cluster?

    Deploy applications on a Raspberry Pi cluster by creating a manifest file in YAML format, defining deployment details, and using "cube cuddle apply" to deploy. Monitor progress with "cube cuddle get pods."

  • What is the role of Box Boat in cloud native environments?

    Box Boat provides assistance with deploying containers and building cloud native environments. Their engineers guide users through complex processes, making it easier to manage technologies like Rancher and Kubernetes.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Creating Raspberry Pi supercomputer with Kubernetes

  • The video showcases the creation of a Raspberry Pi supercomputer using 16 cores and 56 gigs of RAM.
  • The project involves learning Kubernetes, a highly sought-after skill in the IT industry.
  • The process requires installing a version of Kubernetes called k3s on the Raspberry Pi's, provided by Rancher Labs.
  • Assistance from Box Boat engineers is crucial for setting up Kubernetes effectively.
  • The project aims to cluster Raspberry Pi's together using Kubernetes, enabling various applications like Minecraft to run.
  • Rancher Labs offers a free and open-source GUI configuration management tool called Rancher for managing the cluster.
  • The project necessitates a Raspberry Pi, power supply, micro SD card, USB adapter, and at least 4 gigs of RAM.
  • A headless install is recommended, eliminating the need for a keyboard, mouse, or monitor.
  • Clustering Raspberry Pi's with Kubernetes allows for efficient distribution of applications, load balancing, and scalability.
  • Kubernetes orchestrates containers, isolating applications for improved performance and efficient management.

11:39

"Setting up Raspberry Pi cluster with Kubernetes"

  • Raspberry Pi setup involves designating one as the master and a worker node.
  • Initial setup requires preparing the Raspberry Pi without peripherals.
  • Utilize the Raspberry Pi Imager to install the Raspberry Pi OS Lite on the SD card.
  • Modify the cmd line.txt file on the SD card to enable cgroups and set an IP address.
  • Add an IP address, default gateway, subnet mask, hostname, and network interface in the cmd line.txt file.
  • Include "arm_64-bit=1" in the config.txt file to ensure a 64-bit OS version.
  • Enable SSH by creating a file named "ssh" on the SD card.
  • Connect the Raspberry Pi to the network via Ethernet for initial setup.
  • Access the Raspberry Pi remotely using SSH after setup.
  • Install Kubernetes or K3s on the Raspberry Pi cluster, starting with the master node.

24:14

Setting up and managing k3s clusters

  • The k3s URL is crucial, with the IP address of the master and port 6443 being key components.
  • Access and firewalls are generally not a concern on a local network unless unusual activities are being conducted.
  • Assigning unique names to k3s nodes is essential to prevent conflicts, especially with default names like "raspberry pi."
  • The process of adding worker nodes involves copying a command to the worker node and waiting for the setup to complete.
  • The "cube cuddle" command is exclusive to the master node, not available on worker nodes.
  • Checking the status of nodes using "cube cuddle get nodes" on the master node reveals the readiness of worker nodes.
  • The installation of Rancher, an optional but recommended tool for cluster management, requires a separate virtual machine with specific requirements like Ubuntu 1804 and at least 4GB of RAM.
  • Setting up Rancher involves creating a configuration file, installing Rancher using a script, enabling and starting the service, and resetting the admin password.
  • Adding a Raspberry Pi cluster to Rancher involves specific steps due to the ARM architecture, including modifying the agent image override.
  • Deploying applications across the cluster involves creating a manifest file in YAML format, defining the deployment details, and using "cube cuddle apply" to deploy the application, such as multiple instances of an nginx web server.

36:39

Deploying and Monitoring Kubernetes Containers on Port 80

  • Monitoring containers on port 80 for health and activity
  • Creating a YAML file named harry potter.yaml for deployment
  • Applying the file using 'cube ctl apply -f harry potter.yaml' to deploy apps on the cluster
  • Checking the status of pods using 'cube ctl get pods' to monitor creation progress
  • Understanding the concept of pods in Kubernetes as containers nested within pods
  • Identifying the nodes where pods are located using 'cube ctl get pods -o wide'
  • Viewing deployments and pods in Rancher for visual representation
  • Explaining the challenge of accessing apps deployed in Kubernetes due to cluster-specific IP addresses
  • Creating a node port service to expose apps for external access
  • Deploying a service using a manifest file or through Rancher's GUI for simplicity

49:17

Configuring Selectors and Load Balancing in Kubernetes

  • To access an app, selectors need to be configured to specify the node port and service to use.
  • The configured key for the app was "app" with the value "hello-world."
  • The GUI interface displays matching pods when configuring selectors, simplifying the process.
  • Load balancing is visualized by selecting a node and port, demonstrating requests distributed across all nodes and pods.
  • Load balancing occurs automatically when exposing deployments or pods with a service and node port.
  • An additional feature called "ingress" allows mapping a website or DNS name to an application, demonstrated with "ilovecows.com" pointing to "hello-world."
  • In Rancher, adding an ingress involves specifying the request host, path, target service, and port.
  • To locally test the ingress, editing the host file on Windows to map the DNS name to the IP address is necessary.
  • Helm, an alternative to deploying apps on Kubernetes, uses helm charts to describe installations, offering a different approach than manifests.
  • Deploying a Minecraft server on a Raspberry Pi cluster using Rancher involves adding a helm chart through the GUI, modifying values like accepting the EULA, and exposing the server through a node port.

01:02:21

Box Boat: Simplifying Cloud Native Environments

  • Box Boat is a company that provides assistance with deploying containers and building cloud native environments, offering support from their engineers who can guide users through the complex process, making it easier to navigate and understand. If you're looking to work with Rancher or Box Boat, check out the link below for more information and consider utilizing their services for a smoother experience in managing cloud native technologies.
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