How to Install OpenStack on Ubuntu?
Cloud computing has been transforming business operations through its continuous improvement in terms of scalability, efficiency, and innovation. OpenStack is one such cloud computing platform that offers an open-source, flexible solution for building cloud infrastructure on Ubuntu, a stable operating system. Many businesses choose to install OpenStack Ubuntu setups because it provides a stable way to create virtual machine, manage storage, and configure networks within a comprehensive cloud environment. By leveraging OpenStack, businesses can deploy customizable, cost-effective cloud solutions that adapt to their evolving technological needs. In this blog, we are going to provide you a step-by-step tutorial for OpenStack installation on Ubuntu.
What is OpenStack?
OpenStack is an open-source cloud computing platform used to build and manage private and public clouds. It enables you to manage compute, storage, and networking resources using a dashboard or API. Read more about the detailed guide blog, What is OpenStack.
What is MicroStack (Sunbeam)?
MicroStack (Sunbeam) is the simplest way to deploy OpenStack, especially for:
- Single-node environments
- Testing and development
- Small-scale production setups
What Are the Requirements to Install OpenStack?
Minimum System Requirements:
- Ubuntu Version: Use Ubuntu 24.04 LTS for the latest compatibility with OpenStack.
- Hardware: A multi-core AMD64 processor with preferably 4+ cores, adequate RAM (minimum 8GB, but 16GB or more recommended), and sufficient disk space (at least 40GB).
- Network: A stable internet connection for downloading OpenStack packages.
How to Install OpenStack on Ubuntu? Step-by-Step Guide
To begin with, we are going to first install Microstack, a fully-fledged program of OpenStack designed for development, testing, and small-scale cloud deployments. MicroStack, based on the Sunbeam project, offers a simplified way to deploy OpenStack for small to medium-scale deployments:
1. Update Your System
- First of all, connect to your Ubuntu 24.04 system through SSH protocol to enter your computer system and update as well as upgrade system repositories via the following command.
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
- Reboot if necessary after upgrades:
sudo reboot
2. Install MicroStack (OpenStack)
- Firstly, we will install OpenStack using snap:
sudo snap install openstack
Next, we have to prepare the machine to make sure all our dependencies are installed.
3. Prepare the Node
- Prepare the node, by running the below command
sunbeam prepare-node-script | bash -x && newgrp snap_daemon
It will run a script that will install missing dependencies and set system configurations.
Use this command to view the contents of this script,
sunbeam prepare-node-script
The script will install dependencies and set passwordless sudo for the present user.
4. Bootstrap OpenStack Cluster
Once the script has finished running, we can start to deploy the OpenStack cloud using this command:
sunbeam cluster bootstrap --accept-defaults
This will bootstrap the cloud cluster with the help of some set pre defaults.
We can skip and use values by running this command instead:
sunbeam cluster bootstrap
Next, we’ll be asked to enter the address ranges and also CIDR of our control plane; Example:
Management networks shared by hosts (CIDRs, separated by comma) (10.20.20.0/24): 172.16.1.0/24 MetalLB address allocation range (supports multiple ranges, comma separated) (10.20.20.10-10.20.20.20): 172.16.1.201-172.16.1.220
5. Configure OpenStack
We have to configure our cluster and get our login credentials:
sunbeam configure --accept-defaults --openrc demo-openrc
This command will again use the prefilled defaults. To skip this, and to choose our values, we can just remove the –accept-defaults part from the command.
Now, we’ll have our OpenStack cluster deployed.
6. Launch a VM
Finally, our cluster is ready, and we can start testing it by VM instance:
sunbeam launch ubuntu --name test-VM
We will set the name of our VM as a test for example, and it is based on an Ubuntu image.
An example of the output for the previous command:
Launching an OpenStack instance ...
Access instance with `ssh -i /home/ubuntu/.config/openstack/sunbeam [email protected]`
Now, we have a deployed OpenStack cluster, and we have also created a VM instance within it.
Note: Always refer to the official OpenStack and Ubuntu installation guide for latest updates.
When Should You Use OpenStack?
Use OpenStack if you need:
- Private cloud infrastructure
- Full control over compute and networking
- Scalable virtual machine environments
Conclusion
Getting started with OpenStack on Ubuntu may feel complex at first, but with the right steps, it becomes much easier. Whether you are new and looking for OpenStack for dummies, learning how to OpenStack install, or setting up OpenStack for Ubuntu, this guide provides a simple path to build a reliable cloud environment.
FAQ’s
How can I perform OpenStack installation on Windows 10?
OpenStack is typically designed for Linux environments. However, you can use a virtual machine (e.g., VirtualBox) on Windows 10 to create a Linux environment and install OpenStack.
Is it possible to do OpenStack installation on bare metal servers?
Yes, OpenStack can be installed on bare metal servers. You’ll need a supported Linux distribution (like Ubuntu or CentOS) and tools like OpenStack-Ansible or Kolla-Ansible for deployment.
What are the hardware requirements for installing OpenStack?
The minimum requirements include 8 GB RAM, 2 CPUs, and 100 GB of disk space. For production, you may need higher specifications based on workloads.
Can I install OpenStack without virtualization?
Yes, you can install OpenStack directly on physical (bare metal) hardware. This method is often used for high-performance and production environments.
What is the easiest way to install OpenStack for beginners?
The simplest method is using DevStack, a lightweight OpenStack distribution. Install it on a Linux-based system or virtual machine to explore OpenStack’s features in a non-production setting.
