GlusterFS (Persistent Storage) Setup for Docker Swarm | Swarm Lab

How to Set Up GlusterFS for Persistent Storage in Docker Swarm

1. Introduction

   • Welcome back to another video where we will be setting up GlusterFS to provide persistent storage for our Docker Swarm lab.
   • It is recommended to watch the previous episode where the Raspberry Pis were set up for Docker Swarm and configured as nodes.

2. Why GlusterFS?

   • Docker Swarm does not have a built-in solution for persistent storage across nodes.
   • GlusterFS allows for shared storage with encryption, enabling multiple containers and services to refer to the same volume.

3. Prerequisites

   • Ensure your Raspberry Pis are set up for Docker Swarm.
   • Make sure the host files are correctly set up with IP addresses and hostnames for communication.

4. Installing GlusterFS

   • Pull down the GlusterFS repository by running the command: sudo apt-get install glusterfs-server.
   • Update the repositories with sudo apt-get update.

5. Enabling GlusterFS Service

   • Enable the GlusterFS service with the command: sudo systemctl enable glusterfs.

6. Pairing Nodes

   • Pair the nodes to communicate with each other using their hostnames.
   • Run the command on the host machine: sudo gluster peer probe <hostname> for each node.

7. Creating Volume Path

   • Create a directory on all nodes where the volumes will be stored.
   • Run the command: sudo mkdir -p /gluster/volumes on each node.

8. Starting the Volume

   • Start the volume by running: sudo gluster volume start <volume_name> on each node.
   • Add the volume to the /etc/fstab file for automatic mounting on node restarts.

9. Mounting the Volume

   • Mount the volume by running: sudo mount -t glusterfs <hostname>:/<volume_name> /path/to/mount.
   • Verify the volume is mounted by running: df -h.

10. Testing the Setup

• Create a test file on one node and verify its presence on other nodes.
• Ensure Docker has access to the mounted volume for creating and accessing data.

11. Conclusion

• By setting up GlusterFS, you now have shared persistent storage across all worker nodes in your Docker Swarm.
• This setup allows Docker services to reference the same location for data storage, ensuring consistency.

12. Next Steps

• With GlusterFS in place, you can proceed to deploy services in your Docker Swarm environment.
• Breaking down the setup into segments makes it easier to follow and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

By following these steps, you have successfully set up GlusterFS for persistent storage in your Docker Swarm environment. Feel free to reach out if you encounter any difficulties or have further questions.