MeshCentral Install Ubuntu

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the installation of MeshCentral on an Ubuntu 22.04 virtual machine hosted on ESXi. MeshCentral is a powerful remote management tool that allows you to manage multiple devices efficiently.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ubuntu Environment

• Boot into your Ubuntu 22.04 server.
• Ensure that the installation media is removed so you can access the main page.
• Update the server with the following command:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  

Step 2: Install Node.js and npm

• Install Node.js. Use the following command to install it:

  sudo apt install nodejs -y
  

• Confirm the installation and check the version:

  node -v
  

• Install npm:

  sudo apt install npm -y
  

• Check the npm version:

  npm -v
  

Step 3: Optional MongoDB Installation

• If you plan to manage over 100 systems, consider installing MongoDB:

  sudo apt install mongodb -y
  

• Set MongoDB to start automatically with the server:

  sudo systemctl enable mongodb
  

Step 4: Configure MeshCentral

• You need to configure MeshCentral to communicate over port 443.
• Create a configuration file for MeshCentral:

  sudo mkdir /opt/MeshCentral
  cd /opt/MeshCentral
  

Step 5: Install MeshCentral

• Use npm to install MeshCentral:

  sudo npm install meshcentral -g
  

Step 6: Start MeshCentral

• Start the MeshCentral server:

  sudo meshcentral
  

• Visit the server in your browser at https://192.168.x.x:443.

Step 7: Create an Account

• On the MeshCentral login page, create a new account:
  • Username: test@test.org
  • Password: [Choose a secure password]
• Log in to your MeshCentral dashboard.

Step 8: Configure Automatic Start

• To have MeshCentral start automatically with the server, create a service file:

  sudo nano /etc/systemd/system/meshcentral.service
  

• Add the following configuration:

  [Unit]
  Description=MeshCentral
  After=network.target
  
  [Service]
  ExecStart=/usr/bin/node /opt/MeshCentral/node_modules/.bin/meshcentral
  Restart=always
  User=root
  WorkingDirectory=/opt/MeshCentral
  
  [Install]
  WantedBy=multi-user.target
  

• Enable the service:

  sudo systemctl enable meshcentral
  sudo systemctl start meshcentral
  

Conclusion

You have successfully installed and configured MeshCentral on your Ubuntu 22.04 server. Remember to check the official MeshCentral documentation and GitHub page for further customization and advanced configurations. This setup allows you to efficiently manage devices remotely, enhancing your network management capabilities.