How to Manage a Fleet of Remote Ubuntu Laptops?
Asked by
CleverSparrow242
I'm in search of a way to manage a small fleet of Ubuntu laptops located across different locations on the internet. These machines are not connected to a VPN, and I currently don't have any methods to determine their IP addresses. I need a solution that allows me to deploy security patches and update our applications at specified times. Ideally, I would also like the capability to remotely access them for debugging purposes, similar to SSH access. I've tried using Ubuntu Landscape, but it lacks the remote control function I need. Am I overlooking something? Are there other alternatives that could better meet these requirements? I considered Ansible, but since it relies on SSH, it seems unfeasible without IP access.
Answers
I appreciate the advice! I hadn't thought about AnyDesk—could be a hassle-free option for what I need.
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How about Tailscale? It sets all the machines onto a private network over the internet, making them accessible as if they're on the same local network. This way, you can manage them using your usual tools like Ansible.
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You might want to look into using a P2P VPN like ZeroTier or Tailscale. With those, you can connect directly to the laptops, and then use Ansible for provisioning from any host on the network.
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Have you tried MeshCentral? It's pretty decent for remote connections, though the web interface isn't the best. You just set it up on a server and install the agent on all your laptops to connect them remotely.
JadedTransportPro: Thanks for the suggestion! I should mention that I work in a regulated industry (transport), so getting approval for open-source solutions might be difficult.
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You could also consider options like NoMachine, Splashtop, Rustdesk, AnyDesk, or even set up your own Guacamole server for remote access. It sounds like you're in need of a solid remote management solution.
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OptimisticTechie: Tailscale seems promising! The devices operate in a zero-trust environment, which fits our needs well. I see it supports integration with OAuth, but I might have to create a custom OAuth client for our self-hosted server—though that's similar to what I'd have to do for Landscape.