LibreNMS
LibreNMS

This guide provides a quick and easy way to get LibreNMS up and running using Docker. Docker simplifies the installation and management of LibreNMS, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced users. While this guide covers the basic setup, you can find more advanced configuration options and troubleshooting tips in the official LibreNMS documentation.

Setting Up LibreNMS with Docker: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prerequisites

Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

  • Docker: Make sure Docker Engine and Docker Compose are installed and running on your system. You can find instructions on the official Docker website: https://docs.docker.com/get-docker/
  • Git: If you want to clone the LibreNMS repository, you’ll need Git installed.
  • Port 8000: Ensure this port is available on your system, as LibreNMS will use it for its web interface.

Steps

  1. Clone the LibreNMS Repository (Optional):
  • Open your terminal and navigate to your desired installation directory.
  • Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/librenms/docker.git docker-librenms
  1. Navigate to the Compose Directory:
  • If you cloned the repository, change to the examples/compose directory within it: cd docker-librenms/examples/compose
  • If you didn’t clone, you can manually download the docker-compose.yml file from the repository and place it in your desired directory.
  1. Configure Environment Variables (Optional):
  • Copy the .env.example file to .env: cp .env.example .env
  • Open the .env file and modify it to match your setup. You can change the MySQL password, timezone, and other settings.
  1. Start LibreNMS:
  • Run the following command to start the Docker containers: docker-compose up -d
  • Docker will download the necessary images and start the containers.
  1. Access the LibreNMS Web Interface:
  • Open your web browser and navigate to http://localhost:8000.
  • You should see the LibreNMS login page. Use the default credentials (librenms for both username and password) to log in.
  • After logging in, you’ll be prompted to change the default password.

Customization (Optional)

  • Docker Compose: You can customize the services and their configurations by modifying the docker-compose.yml file.
  • Additional Plugins: You can add various monitoring plugins to extend LibreNMS’s functionality. Refer to the LibreNMS documentation for details.

Important Notes

  • Updating LibreNMS: To update LibreNMS, pull the latest changes from the repository and restart the containers.
  • Backing Up Data: Regularly back up your LibreNMS database and configuration files.
  • Security: Change the default passwords and implement security best practices to protect your LibreNMS instance.

Prerequisites and Installation Setup

Before diving into the installation of LibreNMS in a Docker container, one needs to prepare the system and install necessary software. Following these steps ensures a smoother setup process.

System Requirements

LibreNMS requires a Linux or Windows operating system and supports multiple architectures, including x86_64 and ARM. A minimal setup for LibreNMS Docker installation would include:

  • A Linux distribution like Ubuntu, or a Windows server/desktop.
  • Docker should be installed to create containers.
  • Docker Compose simplifies the deployment of multi-container Docker applications.
  • Ensure system memory and storage are adequate to support the LibreNMS application.
  • Prepare MySQL or MariaDB as the database server.
  • Install PHP and choose a web server like NGINX for optimal performance.

Installing Docker on Linux or Windows

To run LibreNMS in a Docker container, one must first install Docker:

  • On Linux:

    • Visit the Docker official website and select your Linux distribution for specific instructions.

    • Most Linux distributions like Ubuntu provide easy installation through package managers like apt.


      sudo apt update
      sudo apt install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

  • On Windows:

    • Download Docker Desktop for Windows and follow the setup wizard instructions.
    • Ensure Hyper-V and Containers Windows features are enabled for Docker to function correctly.

Docker Compose Installation

After Docker is up and running, the next step is to install Docker Compose:

  • For Linux:

    • Pull the Docker Compose binary using curl.


      sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/download/1.29.2/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
      sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

  • On Windows:

    • The Docker Compose tool is included with Docker Desktop.
    • Access Docker Compose through command line or Docker Desktop GUI.

In summary, preparing the system by fulfilling the requirements and installing Docker and Docker Compose are essential steps in setting up LibreNMS on your server. It sets the stage for a successful installation and smooth operation of the monitoring system.

Configuring and Running LibreNMS

Before diving into the technicalities, it’s essential to understand that configuring and running LibreNMS involves setting up the database, tweaking environment variables, preparing a web server, and launching the Docker container. This ensures that your network monitoring system runs smoothly.

Database Configuration

To start, configure the database details by setting environment variables such as db_host, db_name, db_user, and db_password. These variables are crucial for LibreNMS to connect and interact with its database. Ensure that the database is accessible to the LibreNMS Docker container.

environment:
  - DB_HOST=db_host
  - DB_NAME=librenms
  - DB_USER=librenms
  - DB_PASSWORD=supersecretpassword

In your Docker Compose file, you will also define the database service, specifying the docker image to use, and mount the necessary volumes for data persistence.

LibreNMS Environment Setup

LibreNMS relies on a variety of environment variables for configuration. Set these variables carefully to fit your specific needs. You can configure settings such as the base URL for the LibreNMS web interface or the time zone. Environment variables are provided in the Docker Compose file or the .env file.

Web Server and SSL Configuration

A reverse proxy such as Nginx can serve the LibreNMS web UI securely. This setup allows the use of SSL certificates for encrypted HTTPS connections. If you’re not using a built-in SSL, configure your reverse proxy to handle SSL termination and forward HTTP traffic to the LibreNMS container.

Launching the Container

After configuration, use the docker-compose up command to launch the LibreNMS container. This command reads your Docker Compose file, sets up the necessary volumes, exposes the right ports, and makes sure all services are communicating as they should.

docker-compose up -d

Once the container is up and running, you can access the LibreNMS WebUI on the defined port, where you’ll complete the setup by logging in and starting to monitor your network.

Post-Installation Tasks and Management

After installing the LibreNMS Docker container, there are several important tasks to perform to ensure the system is secure, efficient, and up-to-date. Let’s go through these post-installation steps to get things running smoothly.

Validating Installation

To validate your LibreNMS Docker installation, access the web UI and check if all services are running correctly. Look for any error messages and refer to the LibreNMS documentation for troubleshooting tips. Confirm that the timezone (TZ) setting is configured correctly to avoid any time-related issues.

Creating an Admin User

Initially, create a secure admin user for system management. Go to the user settings in the LibreNMS interface and add a new user with full administrative rights. It’s vital to use a strong password to enhance security.

Setting Up SNMP and Syslog-NG

For network devices monitoring:

  • SNMP: Set up the community string and add devices to LibreNMS using their hostname or IP address.
  • Syslog-NG: If you’re using the sidecar_syslogng container, configure syslog-ng to receive logs from the network. Ensure the memory_limit, max_input_vars, and upload_max_size are properly configured for optimal performance.

Handling Updates and Backups

Regular updates are crucial for stability and security:

  • Upgrade: Keep an eye out for new image updates. Use Docker Compose commands to pull and deploy updates.
  • Backup: Set a backup routine, especially before upgrades. This ensures that you can restore your LibreNMS to a functioning state in case of any issues.

By managing these areas effectively, you can maintain a robust LibreNMS implementation that’s ready for production use.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we’ll answer some common questions about setting up LibreNMS in a Docker container, ranging from installation using Docker Compose to running it on different systems.

How can I install LibreNMS using Docker Compose?

To install LibreNMS using Docker Compose, clone the LibreNMS Docker repository from GitHub. Navigate to the examples/compose directory within the cloned repo. Edit the Docker Compose and environment files as needed for your setup, then run docker compose up -d in your terminal to start the LibreNMS container.

What are the steps for setting up LibreNMS in a Docker container on Ubuntu?

On Ubuntu, install Docker and Docker Compose first. Then, get the LibreNMS Docker image by pulling it from DockerHub or cloning the repository. Set up the required directories and environmental files. Use the docker-compose up command to bring your LibreNMS Docker container online.

How do I run LibreNMS with Docker on a Macintosh system?

Running LibreNMS with Docker on a Mac requires Docker Desktop to be installed. After setup, open a terminal and execute similar steps as with Ubuntu or any Linux distribution. Make sure to adjust volume paths in the Docker Compose file to match macOS file system structure.

Where can I find the official Docker image for LibreNMS?

The official LibreNMS Docker image is available on Docker Hub. It’s based on Alpine Linux and Nginx. Search for librenms/librenms on Docker Hub, or visit the LibreNMS GitHub page for links and additional information regarding the Docker image.

Is it possible to manage LibreNMS Docker containers using Portainer?

Yes, it’s possible to manage LibreNMS Docker containers using Portainer. Portainer offers a user-friendly interface to manage containers. You can monitor, update, and configure your LibreNMS containers within Portainer by connecting it to your Docker environment.

What is the process for installing LibreNMS in a Docker container on Synology NAS?

To install LibreNMS on a Synology NAS using Docker, use the Synology Docker package to download the LibreNMS image from Docker Hub. Create a container through the Synology interface, and map the necessary volumes and ports. Adjust the environmental settings and use the Synology DSM to manage the container.

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