3.5.2. SIMP Server Installation

This chapter provides guidance on installing, configuring, and bootstrapping the SIMP server using the SIMP Utility, simp.

3.5.2.1. System Requirements

SIMP scales well, but how much depends on a number of factors, including the number of nodes, the processor speed, the total memory, and the complexity of the manifests. The following are the minimal system requirements for the SIMP server:

3.5.2.2. Using the SIMP Utility

In these instructions we will be using the config and bootstrap commands of the SIMP Utility, simp. The SIMP Utility does not assist users through the entire configuration process; however, it does make the initial configuration easier and more repeatable.

Note

For a list of the commands simp provides, type simp help. Type simp help <Command> for more information on a specific command.

3.5.2.3. SIMP Default Passwords

Below is a table containing the default passwords found on a basic SIMP server upon install.

Important

All default passwords must be changed during the initial configuration process.

Utility Password
Grub GrubPassword
Root User RootPassword
Simp User UserPassword

Table: SIMP Default Passwords

3.5.2.4. Preparing the SIMP Server Environment

  1. Boot the system and ensure the SIMP ISO is selected.
  2. Press Enter to run the standard SIMP install, or choose from the customized options list.
    • For a detailed description of the the disk encryption enabled via the simp_disk_crypt boot option, see Disk Encryption.
  3. When the installation is complete, the system will restart automatically.
  4. Change the root user password
    1. At the console, log on as root and type the default password shown in Table 2.1.
    2. Type the default password again when prompted for the (current) UNIX password.
    3. Type a new password when prompted for the New Password. Retype the password when prompted.
  5. Change the simp user password
    1. At the console, log on as simp and type the default password shown in Table 2.1.
    2. Type the default password again when prompted for the (current) UNIX password.
    3. Type a new password when prompted for the New Password. Retype the password when prompted.

3.5.2.5. Installing the SIMP Server

Important

Correct time across all systems is important to the proper functioning of SIMP and Puppet in general.

If a user has trouble connecting to the Puppet server and errors regarding certificate validation appear, check the Puppet server and client times to ensure they are synchronized.

Warning

Keep in mind as the installation process begins that Puppet does not work well with capital letters in host names. Therefore, they should not be used.

  1. Log on as simp and run su - to gain root access.
  2. Type simp config and configure the system as prompted.
  • simp config will prompt you for system settings and then apply the smallest settings subset that is required to bootstrap the system.
  • When applicable, simp config will present you with a recommendation for each setting (variable). To keep a recommended value, press Enter. Otherwise, enter your desired value.
  • simp config generates a log file containing details of the configuration selected and actions taken.
  • For more details about the installation variables set by simp config and the corresponding actions, see Initial Configuration.
  • For a list of additional options, type simp help config.
    • simp config --dry-run will run through all of the simp config prompts without applying any changes to the system. This is the option to run to become familiar with the variables set by simp config or generate a configuration file to be used as a template for subsequent simp config runs.
    • simp config -a <Config File> will load a previously generated configuration in lieu of prompting for settings, and then apply the settings. This is the option to run for systems that will be rebuilt often.

Note

Once simp config has been run, three SIMP configuration files will be generated:

  • /root/.simp/simp_conf.yaml: File containing all your simp config settings; can include additional settings related to ones you entered and other settings required for SIMP.
  • /etc/puppetlabs/code/environments/simp/hieradata/simp_config_settings.yaml: File containing global hieradata relevant to SIMP clients and the SIMP server.
  • /etc/puppetlabs/code/environments/simp/hieradata/hosts/<host>.yaml: SIMP server host YAML file.
  1. Type simp bootstrap

Note

If progress bars are of equal length and the bootstrap finishes quickly, a problem has occurred. This is most likely due to an error in SIMP configuration. Refer to the previous step and make sure that all configuration options are correct.

  1. Type reboot

3.5.2.6. Performing Post-installation Setup on the SIMP Server

  1. Log on as root

  2. Run puppet for the first time.

    Type: puppet agent -t

  3. Copy CentOS RHEL_MAJOR_MINOR_VERSION ISO(s) to the server and unpack using the unpack_dvd utility. This creates a new tree under /var/www/yum/CentOS.

    Type: unpack_dvd CentOS-RHEL_MAJOR_VERSION-x86_64-DVD-####.iso

  4. Update your system using yum. The updates applied will be dependent on what ISO you initially used.

    Type: yum clean all; yum makecache

  5. Run puppet.

    Type: puppet agent -t

  6. Reboot your system:

    Type reboot