Getting started with the Metal Cloud

Metalcloud is very easy to operate but it does have some unique concepts. This short introductory tutorial will walk you through deploying a server and retrieving access credentials while also explaining the various Metalcloud concepts.

Before you start make sure you have created an account with us by signing up here.

In the MetalCloud servers (called Instances) are groupped in InstanceArrays. By default an infrastructure is created for you called “my-infrastructure” in a datacenter geographically close to you.

  1. Create an instance array

    Click on the Create your first InstanceArray

    ../_images/getting_started3.png

  2. Select a server configuration

    Select your type, number of servers, operating system, drive size and boot type. The server will not be deployed now but rather will wait for the Deploy button to be clicked. (step #5)

    Certain servers types support deploying the operating system on a local drive (or a collection of local drives in an RAID 1,5,10 array). Local drives do not allow switching the server but are less expensive and carry higher capacities and, if using local NVMes higher performance.

    ../_images/getting_started5.png

    You will notice that a structure has been created on your UI:

    ../_images/getting_started7.png

    This structure includes both an instance array and a drive array both with a count of 1. That is normal. If you want to perform further modifications such as firewall rules or selecting another configuration by click on it.

  3. Configure the firewall

    By default all traffic is blocked. You need to explicitly allow traffic to it. For your convenience by default the interface will enable traffic from your current public IP (assigned by your Internet Service Provider - this could be static or dynamic). You need to explicitly enable additional IPs or ports before you deploy.

    ../_images/getting_started41.png

  4. Deploy the infrastructure

    Operations in the Metal Cloud are not immediately deployed. In fact they can be reverted until the infrastructure is “Deployed”. Click on the big “Deploy” button from the bottom of the screen. ../_images/getting_started61.png

    The deploy operation should take between 3 and 10 minutes. At the end of it the instance array will be in an active state.

  5. Retrieve access credentials

    After the deploy the instance array is in “active” state. Click on the instance array:

    ../_images/managing_instance_arrays1.png

    This will pop-up the access credentials window:

    ../_images/managing_instance_arrays2.png

    Here you can find, for each instance (server):

    1. the quick ssh access link
    2. root password

    Clicking on the Acess link will open the default ssh client for your platform. If that doesn’t work use:

    • On Linux & Mac open a terminal and type:

      ssh [email protected]

    • On a Windows client one option would be to use Putty.

      • Host: instance-1234.bigstep.io
      • Port: 22
      • Username: root
      • Password: <use the Reveal button under Initial password>

    Note: It is recommended that you register your public SSH key in the Account settings section so that it gets automatically added on the hosts at deploy time.

Where to go from here:

  1. A short 5 minute introductory video
  2. Managing infrastructures
  3. Managing instance arrays