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In this article, we explore the management of Raspberry Pi devices utilizing AWS Systems Manager, as if they were standard Linux servers.
What is AWS Systems Manager?
AWS Systems Manager provides insights and control over your AWS infrastructure. It offers a centralized user interface that allows you to view operational data from various AWS services and automate tasks across your resources.
What is Raspberry Pi?
The Raspberry Pi is a compact and cost-effective computer designed for learning programming. It supports the Raspbian operating system, enabling users to manage Raspberry Pi devices like any other Linux server.
Challenge
Managing a mix of AWS servers, on-premises hardware, and devices like Raspberry Pi can be daunting when using multiple interfaces. A unified platform for operational insights and administrative tasks would greatly enhance efficiency.
Solution Overview
With AWS Systems Manager, you can oversee servers on AWS, your on-premises data center, and Raspberry Pi devices from a single interface. The Systems Manager communicates securely with a lightweight agent installed on your devices to perform management tasks, allowing for resource management across Windows, Linux, and Raspbian operating systems.
Setting Up a Raspberry Pi Device
To manage a Raspberry Pi using AWS Systems Manager, ensure it runs Raspbian or another supported operating system and is connected to the internet.
Here are the initial setup instructions:
- Guide for Setting up Raspberry Pi
It is recommended to install Raspbian as the operating system. Download and install Raspbian OS on your SD card using a Mac or desktop. Follow the steps provided in the installation guide. - Establishing Internet Connectivity
After installing the OS on the SD card, enable internet access on your Raspberry Pi. Open the raspi-config tool and select Network Options.
Connecting Raspberry Pi to AWS Systems Manager
Step 1:
Begin by creating an IAM Service Role for a Hybrid Environment to establish a secure connection between your Raspberry Pi and AWS Systems Manager.
Step 2:
Next, create a Managed-Instance Activation for the Hybrid Environment, selecting the IAM Service Role created earlier.
Upon successfully creating the activation, you’ll receive a message confirming the new activation. Be sure to note the activation code and ID for the next step.
Step 3:
Log into your Raspberry Pi and execute the steps outlined under “On Raspbian” in the documentation for installing the SSM Agent on Linux Hybrid Environments. These steps will download the SSM Agent to your device and register it using the activation code and ID from Step 2.
mkdir /tmp/ssm
sudo curl https://s3.amazonaws.com/ec2-downloads-windows/SSMAgent/latest/debian_arm/amazon-ssm-agent.deb -o /tmp/ssm/amazon-ssm-agent.deb
sudo dpkg -i /tmp/ssm/amazon-ssm-agent.deb
sudo service amazon-ssm-agent stop
sudo amazon-ssm-agent -register -code “activation-code” -id “activation-id” -region “region”
sudo service amazon-ssm-agent start
Upon successful registration, you will see a confirmation message.
Management
Once your Raspberry Pi is registered with AWS Systems Manager, you gain visibility and control over the device. Under Managed Instances, the Raspberry Pi will appear. Selecting the instance allows you to view all installed applications under the Inventory tab.
Run Command
AWS Systems Manager enables secure remote management of your instances without the need to log directly into your servers. After your Raspberry Pi is listed, you can remotely execute commands using the Run Command feature within AWS Systems Manager. For more detailed instructions on sending commands via Run Command from the AWS Management Console, refer to the documentation.
All actions executed through Systems Manager are logged by AWS CloudTrail, facilitating environment audits.
Conclusion
This article has outlined how to set up and utilize AWS Systems Manager for Raspberry Pi devices. Your feedback is welcome in the comments section. Additionally, for an intriguing perspective on ableist language, consider checking out this blog post. Furthermore, to delve deeper into employee engagement strategies, refer to this resource. Finally, for those interested in fulfillment center management, explore this excellent resource.
About the Author
Chanci Turner is a Senior Technical Account Manager specializing in Operations Management and AWS Management tools, committed to architecting resilient solutions that meet customer business needs. When not working, she enjoys writing and spending quality time with her family and nature.