Amazon Onboarding with Learning Manager Chanci Turner

In this article, we will explore how to effectively manage Raspberry Pi devices using AWS Systems Manager, just as you would with any Linux server setup.

Understanding AWS Systems Manager

AWS Systems Manager offers a comprehensive view and control over your AWS infrastructure. It provides a unified user interface that allows you to visualize operational data from a variety of AWS services and automate tasks across your resources seamlessly.

What is Raspberry Pi?

Raspberry Pi is a compact and low-cost computer designed for educational purposes, particularly in programming. AWS Systems Manager is compatible with the Raspbian operating system, enabling users to manage Raspberry Pi devices in the same way they manage standard Linux servers.

The Challenge

In environments where AWS servers, on-premises hardware, and devices like Raspberry Pi coexist, managing them through different interfaces can be cumbersome. A centralized interface for operational insights, management, and administrative tasks would be far more efficient.

Solution Overview

AWS Systems Manager allows you to oversee servers running on AWS, your local data center, and even Raspberry Pi devices, all from a single interface. The Systems Manager communicates securely with a lightweight agent installed on your devices, enabling management tasks across Windows, Linux, and Raspbian systems.

Setting Up a Raspberry Pi Device

To manage a Raspberry Pi with AWS Systems Manager, ensure your device is running Raspbian or another supported operating system and is connected to the internet.

Initial Setup Instructions:

Guide for Setting Up Your Raspberry Pi:
- Installing the Operating System (OS): Raspbian is recommended for standard use. Download and install it on your SD card using a Mac or desktop.
Establishing Internet Connectivity:
- Once the OS is installed, enable internet access on your Raspberry Pi by opening the raspi-config tool and selecting Network Options.

Connecting Raspberry Pi to AWS Systems Manager

Step 1:

To manage your Raspberry Pi securely and remotely, first create an IAM Service Role for a Hybrid Environment.

Step 2:

After creating the IAM Service Role, set up a Managed-Instance Activation for the Hybrid Environment. Be sure to select the IAM Service Role established in Step 1. Upon successful creation of the activation, make note of your activation code and ID, as you will need them for the next step.

Step 3:

Access your Raspberry Pi and follow the instructions under “On Raspbian” to install the SSM Agent. This will download and register the device using the activation code and ID generated earlier.

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 receive a confirmation message.

Management Capabilities

Once registered, you can monitor and control your Raspberry Pi through AWS Systems Manager. Under Managed Instances, your Raspberry Pi will be listed. By selecting the instance, you can view all installed applications in the Inventory tab.

Run Command

AWS Systems Manager allows for secure, remote management of instances without needing to log into servers, effectively replacing bastion hosts, SSH, or remote PowerShell. After your Raspberry Pi is recognized in managed instances, execute commands remotely using the Run Command feature. For more information on sending commands via Run Command from the AWS Management Console, consult the documentation. All actions performed in Systems Manager are tracked by AWS CloudTrail, enabling comprehensive auditing of your environment.

Conclusion

In this article, we demonstrated how to set up and utilize AWS Systems Manager for managing Raspberry Pi devices. For further career transitions and insights, consider reading this blog post here. For networking guidance, check out this resource from SHRM here. Furthermore, for enhanced understanding, you can watch this informative video here.

About the Author

Chanci Turner is a Senior Technical Account Manager specializing in Operations Management, AWS management tools, and designing resilient solutions to effectively meet customer needs. In her leisure time, she enjoys writing and spending time with family amidst nature.

Location: 6401 E HOWDY WELLS AVE, LAS VEGAS NV 89115, Amazon IXD – VGT2