Proxmox Cluster | Free Virtualization with HA Feature | Step by Step

    1. Cluster Configuration:
      • Nodes: A Proxmox cluster consists of multiple nodes, which are physical servers running Proxmox VE.
      • Networking: Nodes in a Proxmox cluster should be connected to a common network. A private network for internal communication and a public network for client access are typically configured.
      • Shared Storage: Shared storage is crucial for a Proxmox cluster to enable features like live migration and high availability. This can be achieved through technologies like NFS, iSCSI, or Ceph.
    2. High Availability (HA):
      • Proxmox VE includes a feature called HA, which ensures that critical VMs are automatically restarted on another node in the event of a node failure.
      • HA relies on fencing mechanisms to isolate a failed node from the cluster and prevent split-brain scenarios. This can be achieved through power fencing (e.g., IPMI, iLO, iDRAC) or network fencing (e.g., switch port blocking).
      • When a node fails, the HA manager on the remaining nodes detects the failure and initiates the restart of the affected VMs on healthy nodes.
    3. Corosync and Pacemaker:
      • Proxmox VE uses Corosync as the messaging layer and Pacemaker as the cluster resource manager. These components ensure that cluster nodes can communicate effectively and coordinate resource management.
      • Corosync provides a reliable communication channel between nodes, while Pacemaker manages the resources (VMs, containers, services) in the cluster and ensures they are highly available.
    4. Resource Management:
      • Proxmox clusters allow for dynamic resource allocation, allowing VMs and containers to use resources based on demand.
      • Memory and CPU resources can be allocated and adjusted for each VM or container, and live migration allows these resources to be moved between nodes without downtime.
    5. Backup and Restore:
      • Proxmox includes backup and restore functionality, allowing administrators to create scheduled backups of VMs and containers.
      • Backups can be stored locally or on remote storage, providing flexibility in backup storage options.
    6. Monitoring and Logging:
      • Proxmox provides monitoring and logging capabilities to help administrators track the performance and health of the cluster.
      • The web interface includes dashboards and graphs for monitoring resource usage, as well as logs for tracking cluster events.
    7. Updates and Maintenance:
      • Proxmox clusters can be updated and maintained using the web interface or command-line tools. Updates can be applied to individual nodes or the entire cluster.

    Setup Free Firewall at Home or Office, Install and Configure pfSense

    1. Download pfSense:
      • Go to the pfSense website (https://www.pfsense.org/download/) and download the appropriate installation image for your hardware. Choose between the Community Edition (CE) or pfSense Plus.
    2. Create Installation Media:
      • Burn the downloaded image to a CD/DVD or create a bootable USB drive using software like Rufus (for Windows) or dd (for Linux).
    3. Boot from Installation Media:
      • Insert the installation media into the computer where you want to install pfSense and boot from it. You may need to change the boot order in the BIOS settings.
    4. Install pfSense:
      • Follow the on-screen instructions to install pfSense. You’ll be asked to select the installation mode (e.g., Quick/Easy Install, Custom Install), configure network interfaces, set up disk partitions, and create an admin password.
    5. Reboot:
      • Once the installation is complete, remove the installation media and reboot the computer.

    Configuration:

    1. Initial Setup:
      • After rebooting, pfSense will start up and present you with a console menu.
      • Use the keyboard to select ‘1’ to boot pfSense in multi-user mode.
    2. Access the Web Interface:
      • Open a web browser on a computer connected to the same network as pfSense.
      • Enter the IP address of the pfSense firewall in the address bar (default is 192.168.1.1).
      • Log in with the username ‘admin’ and the password you set during installation.
    3. Initial Configuration Wizard:
      • The first time you access the web interface, you’ll be guided through the initial configuration wizard.
      • Set the WAN and LAN interfaces, configure the LAN IP address, set the time zone, and configure the admin password.
    4. Configure Interfaces:
      • Navigate to ‘Interfaces’ in the web interface to configure additional interfaces if needed (e.g., DMZ, OPT interfaces). Assign interfaces and configure IP addresses.
    5. Firewall Rules:
      • Set up firewall rules under ‘Firewall’ > ‘Rules’ to allow or block traffic between interfaces. Configure rules for the WAN, LAN, and any additional interfaces.
    6. NAT (Network Address Translation):
      • Configure NAT rules under ‘Firewall’ > ‘NAT’ to translate private IP addresses to public IP addresses. Set up Port Forwarding, 1:1 NAT, or Outbound NAT rules as needed.
    7. DHCP Server:
      • If you want pfSense to act as a DHCP server, configure DHCP settings under ‘Services’ > ‘DHCP Server’. Set up the range of IP addresses to lease, DNS servers, and other DHCP options.
    8. VPN:
      • Set up VPN connections (e.g., OpenVPN, IPsec) under ‘VPN’ > ‘IPsec’ or ‘OpenVPN’. Configure VPN settings, certificates, and user authentication.
    9. Packages:
      • Install additional packages for extra functionality under ‘System’ > ‘Package Manager’. Popular packages include Snort (for Intrusion Detection/Prevention), Squid (for web caching), and HAProxy (for load balancing).
    10. Save Configuration:
      • Click on ‘Apply Changes’ to save your configuration.
    11. Final Steps:
      • Test your configuration to ensure everything is working as expected.
      • Consider setting up backups of your pfSense configuration under ‘Diagnostics’ > ‘Backup & Restore’.

    FortiGate 80F Firewall Unbox and Configure

    Unboxing:

    1. Inspect the Package:
      • Open the shipping box and check for the following components:
        • FortiGate 80F unit
        • Power adapter
        • Ethernet cables
        • Mounting hardware (if applicable)
        • Documentation and setup guide
    2. Connectivity:
      • Identify the WAN (Wide Area Network), LAN (Local Area Network), and DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) ports on the FortiGate 80F.
      • Connect the appropriate network cables to these ports based on your network architecture.
    3. Power On:
      • Connect the power adapter to the FortiGate 80F and plug it into a power source.
      • Power on the device and wait for it to complete the boot-up process. You can monitor the status using the indicator lights on the unit.

    Initial Configuration:

    1. Access Web Interface:
      • Open a web browser and enter the default IP address of the FortiGate 80F (e.g., https://192.168.1.99).
      • Log in using the default credentials (usually “admin” for both username and password).
    2. Initial Setup Wizard:
      • Follow the prompts of the setup wizard to configure basic settings:
        • Set the system name and administrator password.
        • Configure the time zone and date/time settings.
    3. Network Configuration:
      • Set up the WAN and LAN interfaces:
        • Assign IP addresses to the interfaces.
        • Define DHCP settings if applicable.
        • Configure any additional interfaces based on your network design.
    4. Security Policies:
      • Define security policies to control traffic flow. This includes inbound and outbound rules based on source, destination, and services.
      • Implement firewall rules, NAT (Network Address Translation), and security profiles (antivirus, intrusion prevention, etc.).
    5. Update Firmware:
      • Check for firmware updates in the web interface.
      • Download and apply the latest firmware to ensure security patches and feature enhancements.
    6. VPN Configuration (Optional):
      • If your organization requires VPN connectivity, configure VPN settings:
        • Set up IPsec or SSL VPN tunnels.
        • Define VPN users and access policies.
    7. Monitoring and Logging:
      • Configure logging settings to capture events and monitor network activity.
      • Set up alerts for critical events.
    8. User Authentication (Optional):
      • If applicable, configure user authentication:
        • Integrate with LDAP or RADIUS for centralized user management.
        • Implement two-factor authentication for additional security.
    9. Wireless Configuration (Optional):
      • If the FortiGate 80F has wireless capabilities, configure wireless settings, including SSID, security protocols, and access controls.
    10. Testing:
      • Perform thorough testing to ensure that the firewall is functioning as expected.
      • Test internet access, VPN connections, and the enforcement of security policies.

    HPE DL380 Gen10 Unboxing | Prepare Server to Install in DATACENTER

    Unboxing the HPE DL380 Gen10:

    1. Inspect the Package:
      • Carefully inspect the external packaging for any signs of damage.
      • Ensure that the package includes all the components listed in the packing list.
    2. Open the Box:
      • Use a box cutter or scissors to carefully open the packaging.
    3. Remove Accessories:
      • Take out all the accessories such as power cables, documentation, and any additional components that come with the server.
    4. Inspect the Server:
      • Carefully take the server out of the packaging and inspect it for any physical damage.
      • Ensure that all components, including hard drives, are properly seated.
    5. Documentation:
      • Review the provided documentation, including the quick start guide and any safety information.

    1. iLO Configuration:

    a. Physical Connection:

    1. Connect to the iLO port on the rear of the server using a network cable.
    2. Ensure the iLO port has an IP address on the same network as your management system.

    b. Access iLO Web Interface:

    1. Open a web browser and enter the iLO IP address.
    2. Log in with the default or provided credentials.

    c. iLO Configuration:

    1. Change the default password for security.
    2. Configure network settings as needed.
    3. Enable iLO Advanced features if necessary.

    1. Accessing Smart Array Configuration Utility:

    1. Power on the Server:
      • Ensure all necessary components, including hard drives, are properly installed.
    2. Access RAID Configuration:
      • During the server boot process, press the designated key (e.g., F8) to access the Smart Array Configuration Utility.

    2. Creating a RAID 6 Array:

    1. Select/Create Array:
      • In the Smart Array Configuration Utility, choose an option like “Create Array” or “Manage Arrays.”
    2. Select Drives:
      • Choose the physical drives you want to include in the RAID 6 array. There should be at least four drives for RAID 6.
    3. Configure RAID Level:
      • Select RAID 6 from the available RAID levels.
    4. Set Array Size:
      • Define the size of the RAID array. Keep in mind that RAID 6 requires at least four drives, and usable capacity will be less than the total drive capacity due to the dual parity.
    5. Confirm and Save:
      • Review the configuration and confirm to save the RAID 6 array settings.

    3. Installing an Operating System:

    1. Boot from Installation Media:
      • Insert the installation media for your operating system (e.g., Windows Server, Linux) and boot from it.
    2. Select Installation Drive:
      • During the OS installation process, you will be prompted to select the logical drive created by the RAID 6 configuration.
    3. Complete OS Installation:
      • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the operating system installation.

    4. Additional RAID 6 Management:

    1. RAID Monitoring:
      • After the OS is installed, monitor the RAID status through the HPE Smart Storage Administrator or other management tools provided by HPE.
    2. Expand or Modify RAID:
      • If needed, you can later expand the RAID 6 array or modify its configuration through the Smart Storage Administrator.

    2. ESXi Installation:

    a. Obtain ESXi Installer:

    1. Download the ESXi ISO image from the VMware website.

    b. Prepare Boot Media:

    1. Create a bootable USB drive with the ESXi installer using tools like Rufus or UNetbootin.

    c. Install ESXi:

    1. Insert the bootable USB drive into the server.
    2. Power on the server and boot from the USB drive.

    d. ESXi Installation Wizard:

    1. Follow the on-screen prompts to install ESXi.
    2. Select the installation disk (usually the local storage on your server).

    e. Configure ESXi:

    1. Set a password for the ESXi host.
    2. Configure management network settings (IP address, subnet mask, gateway, DNS).

    f. Complete Installation:

    1. Allow the ESXi installer to complete the installation process.
    2. Reboot the server.

    3. Post-Installation ESXi Configuration:

    a. Access ESXi Web Interface:

    1. Open a web browser and enter the ESXi host IP address.
    2. Log in with the credentials you set during installation.

    b. Configure Networking:

    1. Verify and configure networking settings as needed.

    c. License ESXi:

    1. Apply a license to your ESXi host if required.

    d. Create Datastores:

    1. Configure storage settings by creating datastores on your server’s storage.

    e. Virtual Machine Management:

    1. Create and manage virtual machines through the ESXi web interface or vSphere Client.

    f. Monitor and Manage:

    1. Monitor the ESXi host health, performance, and other settings through the web interface.

    4. Additional iLO Integration:

    1. Back in the iLO interface, you can integrate iLO with the ESXi host for enhanced management features.
    2. Configure iLO settings to enable remote console access and other management features.

    Attach QNAP iSCSI Disk to Windows | Connect to Storage Without HBA Interface

    Certainly, attaching a QNAP iSCSI disk to a Windows system involves several steps. Below is a general guide, but please note that specific steps may vary depending on the QNAP NAS model and the version of QTS firmware. Always refer to the documentation provided by QNAP for your specific model.

    1. Configure iSCSI on QNAP NAS:

    • Log in to the QNAP NAS web interface.
    • Go to “Control Panel” > “Storage & Snapshots” > “iSCSI Storage.”
    • Create an iSCSI target and specify the settings, such as the target name and access permissions.
    • Create an iSCSI LUN (Logical Unit Number) within the target, specifying its size and other relevant parameters.
    • Note the iSCSI Target IQN (iSCSI Qualified Name) and the IP address of your QNAP NAS.

    2. Connect Windows to the iSCSI Target:

    • On your Windows machine, open the iSCSI Initiator.
      • You can open it by searching for “iSCSI Initiator” in the Start menu.
    • In the iSCSI Initiator Properties window, go to the “Targets” tab.
    • Enter the IP address of your QNAP NAS in the “Target” field and click “Quick Connect.”
    • In the Quick Connect window, select the iSCSI target from the list and click “Connect.”
    • In the Connect to Target window, check the box next to “Enable multi-path” if your QNAP NAS supports it.
    • Click “Advanced Settings” to configure CHAP (Challenge-Handshake Authentication Protocol) settings if you have set up authentication on your QNAP NAS.
    • Click “OK” to connect to the iSCSI target.

    3. Initialize and Format the iSCSI Disk:

    • Once connected, open the Disk Management tool on your Windows machine.
      • You can open it by searching for “Create and format hard disk partitions” in the Start menu.
    • You should see the new iSCSI disk as an uninitialized disk.
    • Right-click on the uninitialized disk and choose “Initialize Disk.”
    • Right-click on the newly initialized disk and select “New Simple Volume.”
    • Follow the wizard to create a new partition, assign a drive letter, and format the disk with your preferred file system.

    4. Access the iSCSI Disk:

    • After formatting, the iSCSI disk should be accessible through the assigned drive letter.
    • You can now use the iSCSI disk for storage purposes, and it will behave like any other locally attached storage device.

    Remember to follow best practices for iSCSI security, such as enabling CHAP authentication and restricting access to specific IP addresses, especially if your QNAP NAS is accessible over the internet. Always refer to the specific documentation for your QNAP NAS model for accurate and up-to-date instructions.

    Install and Configure Veeam Backup and Replication | How to Use FREE Veeam Backup

    Certainly, I can provide you with a general overview of the process to install, configure, and use Veeam Backup & Replication, including the free edition. Note that specific steps might vary based on the version of Veeam Backup & Replication you are using, so always refer to the official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

    1. Download and Install Veeam Backup & Replication:

    • Go to the Veeam website and download the Veeam Backup & Replication installation package.
    • Run the installer on the machine where you want to install Veeam Backup & Replication.
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

    2. Configure Veeam Backup Repository:

    • After installation, open the Veeam Backup & Replication console.
    • Configure a backup repository to store your backup files. This can be local storage, a network share, or a cloud-based repository.

    3. Add VMware or Hyper-V Server:

    • In the Veeam console, click on “Backup Infrastructure” and then “Add Server.”
    • Choose either VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V, depending on your virtualization platform.
    • Enter the server details and credentials to connect to your virtualization host.

    4. Create a Backup Job:

    • Click on “Backup & Replication” in the console.
    • Right-click and choose “Backup Job.”
    • Select your virtual machines or VM containers.
    • Choose a destination (backup repository).
    • Configure scheduling and retention policies.

    5. Perform a Backup:

    • Run the backup job manually or wait for the scheduled time.
    • Monitor the backup job progress in the console.

    6. Restore from Backup:

    • To restore VMs, go to the “Home” tab and choose “Restore.”
    • Follow the wizard to select the VM or VMs you want to restore and the restore point.
    • Choose the restore destination and complete the wizard.

    Using Veeam Backup Free Edition:

    • Veeam offers a free edition with limited features, but it can still be powerful for smaller environments.
    • Download the free edition from the Veeam website.
    • Install and configure it following a similar process to the full version.
    • The free edition supports VM backups and restores, but it may lack some advanced features found in the paid version.

    Additional Tips:

    • Regularly check the Veeam documentation and knowledge base for updates and best practices.
    • Consider setting up email notifications for backup job results and monitoring.
    • Explore additional features, such as replication and VeeamZIP for ad-hoc backups.

    Remember, these steps provide a general guideline, and you should refer to the specific documentation for your version of Veeam Backup & Replication for detailed instructions.

    Login to ESXi with Domain User | VMware ESXi Active Directory Authentication

    Configuring VMware ESXi for Active Directory (AD) authentication involves joining the ESXi host to the Active Directory domain and configuring user permissions accordingly. Here are the steps:

    1. Access the ESXi Host:

    • Connect to the ESXi host using the vSphere Client or vSphere Web Client.

    2. Configure DNS Settings:

    • Ensure that the DNS settings on the ESXi host are correctly configured, and it can resolve the Active Directory domain controller’s name. You can set the DNS configuration in the ESXi host under “Networking” > “TCP/IP Configuration.”

    3. Join ESXi Host to Active Directory:

    • In the vSphere Client, navigate to the “Host” in the inventory and select the “Configure” tab.
    • Under the “System” section, select “Authentication Services.”
    • Click “Join Domain” or “Properties” depending on your ESXi version.
    • Enter the domain information, including the domain name, username, and password with the necessary permissions to join the domain.
    • Click “Join Domain” or “OK.”

    Example:

    • Domain: example.com
    • Username: domain_admin
    • Password: ********

    4. Verify Domain Join:

    • After joining the domain, you should see a success message. If not, check the credentials and network connectivity.

    5. Configure Permission:

    • Go to the “Permissions” tab in the “Host” section.
    • Add the AD user account to the appropriate role (e.g., Administrator or a custom role).

    Example (PowerCLI):

    New-VIPermission -Principal "EXAMPLE\domain_user" -Role "Admin" -Entity $esxiHost

    6. Test AD Authentication:

    • Log out of the vSphere Client and log in using an Active Directory account. Use the format “DOMAIN\username” or “username@domain.com” depending on your environment.

    Example:

    • Server: esxi.example.com
    • Username: example\domain_user
    • Password: ********

    7. Troubleshooting:

    • If authentication fails, check the ESXi logs for any error messages related to authentication or domain joining.
    • Ensure that time synchronization is correct between the ESXi host and the domain controller.
    • Verify that the Active Directory user account has the necessary permissions.

    Note: Always refer to the official VMware documentation for your specific ESXi version for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The steps might slightly differ based on the ESXi version you are using.

    Install and Config Mikrotik Router

    Hello everyone, in this video I am going to install mikrotik router os on hyper-v and after that I will be configure routerOS to provide internet access for clients by configuring dhcp server , create a nat rule , setup pptp vpn server. Ok lets start

    1. Hardware Requirements:
      • MikroTik router device (such as a MikroTik RouterBOARD)
      • Ethernet cables
      • Computer with an Ethernet port
      • Power source for the router
    2. Initial Setup:
      • Connect the MikroTik router to a power source and to your computer using an Ethernet cable. The router usually has a default IP address for the initial configuration, such as 192.168.88.1. Ensure that your computer is set to obtain an IP address automatically through DHCP.
    3. Access the Router:
      • Open a web browser on your computer and enter the default IP address of the MikroTik router in the address bar (e.g., http://192.168.88.1).
      • You should see the MikroTik login page. The default username is “admin,” and there is no password by default. It is crucial to change the default password during the initial setup for security reasons.
    4. Basic Configuration:
      • Once logged in, you can start configuring the router. Here are some basic configurations:
        • Set a strong password for the “admin” user.
        • Set the router’s hostname.
        • Configure the time zone.
        • Set the DNS servers.
    5. LAN Configuration:
      • Configure the LAN (Local Area Network) settings, including the IP address and subnet mask for the router’s LAN interface.
      • You can create DHCP server pools to assign IP addresses to devices on your local network automatically.
    6. WAN Configuration:
      • Configure the WAN (Wide Area Network) interface, which could be connected to your internet service provider (ISP). This often involves configuring the IP address, subnet mask, gateway, and DNS servers provided by your ISP.
      • Set up NAT (Network Address Translation) if you have multiple devices on your LAN and want them to share a single public IP address.
    7. Firewall Configuration:
      • Create firewall rules to control incoming and outgoing traffic. MikroTik routers have a powerful firewall system that allows you to filter and control traffic based on various criteria.
    8. Security and Access Control:
      • Configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict or allow specific traffic.
      • Enable SSH or secure Winbox access for remote management and disable insecure services like Telnet.
    9. Additional Features:
      • Depending on your needs, you can configure various additional features such as VPNs, VLANs, QoS (Quality of Service), routing protocols, and more.
    10. Save and Backup Configuration:
      • After configuring your MikroTik router, make sure to save your configuration settings and create regular backups. This can be done through the router’s web interface.
    11. Testing:
      • Test your network to ensure everything is working as expected. Check internet connectivity, LAN connectivity, and any specific services or features you’ve configured.
    12. Documentation:
      • Keep thorough documentation of your MikroTik router’s configuration, including any changes you make over time. This will be helpful for troubleshooting and future reference.