DEV Community: Jayesh Rajput

Seven Steps to Launch an Amazon EC2 Instance

Jayesh Rajput — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:47:14 +0000

Learn how to launch an Amazon EC2 instance in seven simple steps. This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that you have a successful launch every time.

Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2) is a web service that provides secure and resizable compute capacity in the cloud. we can use it to provision virtual servers that are called Amazon EC2 instances, which can handle almost any computing need.

With Amazon EC2 we can do the following:

• Provision and launch one or more EC2 instances in minutes.

• Stop or shut down EC2 instances when we finish running a workload.

• Pay for only the compute time that we use when running an instance.

In this blog, you will learn about the seven steps to launch an Amazon EC2 instance.

Step 1: Tags

The first step in creating an instance is assigning it a name and tags. This step is optional but recommended. The name of an instance is a default tag for the Instance name and works like every other tag. Tags work as metadata to identify and define the AWS resources that they are attached to. Tags simplify our search for tagged resources based on a specific tag key or tag value. we can also filter our searches by multiple tag keys or tag values.

Step 2: Choosing an Amazon Machine Image

The next step in launching an instance is choosing the AMI. An AMI is required when launching an EC2 instance. The AMI has three main components. First is the template for the root volume, which contains the operating system, application servers, and applications. Next is the launch permissions that control which AWS accounts can use the AMI. Finally, there is a block device mapping that specifies the volumes to attach to the instance, if any, when it is launched.

We can launch multiple instances from a single AMI when we need multiple instances with the same configuration. In this way, all of the instances launched from the same AMI will be identical except for their IP address.

Step 3: Choosing Instance Types

After we choose the AMI for launching the instance, the next step is to choose an instance type. The instance type specifies the hardware of the host computer that's used for our instance, such as CPU, memory, storage, and networking capacity. Amazon EC2 provides a selection of instance types that these components optimize to fit different use cases. we can select the appropriate instance type based on the requirements of the application or software that we plan to run on our instance.

Each instance type belongs to an instance family. An instance family is a group of instances with varying configurations that are based on similar compute, memory, and storage capabilities. Within each family, instance types have specific names. For example, the T family has specific instance types such as t2.micro and t3.large.

Step 4: Key Pairs

The next step involves a decision about using a key pair. A key pair consists of a public key and a private key. It is a set of security credentials that we use to prove our identity when connecting to an Amazon EC2 instance. Amazon EC2 stores the public key on our instance, and we are responsible to store the private key.

To connect to a Windows instance, use the private key to obtain the administrator password. Then, log in to the EC2 instance's Windows Desktop by using Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). With Linux instances, at boot time, the public key content is placed on the instance. To log in to our Linux instance, we must provide the private key when we establish the connection.

Step 5: Network Settings

The next step in launching our EC2 instance is to configure our network settings. This means choosing the VPC, subnet, and security group that we will place our instance in. We also must decide whether we will enable or disable a public IP address for the instance. The instance is placed behind a security group, within a subnet, within a VPC, within a Region.

The Region that we are launching our instance into is assumed by the Region that we are working in on the AWS Management Console. It cannot be changed from within the Amazon EC2 launch wizard.

Choosing VPC

When we start using Amazon VPC, we have a default VPC in each AWS Region. A default VPC comes with a public subnet in each Availability Zone of the Region. Therefore, we can immediately start launching Amazon EC2 instances into a default VPC.

Public IP Address

Next, we must decide whether we want a public IP address assigned to the instance. A public IP address is an IPv4 address that's reachable from the internet. We can use public addresses for communication between our instances and the internet.

Security Group

Next, we need to choose the security group. A security group acts as a virtual firewall that controls network access to our instances. At the most basic level, a security group is a way for us to filter traffic that is allowed to reach our instances. Security groups are based on rules that we can configure to filter the traffic that is allowed for our instance. Security groups block all access unless an allow rule is in place for that traffic.

Step 6: Configure Storage

Next, we must configure the storage volume for our instance. The main solution for EC2 instance storage is Amazon Elastic Block Store or Amazon EBS. Amazon EBS volumes provide durable, detachable, block-level storage for our Amazon EC2 instances. It's basically an external hard drive.

Amazon Elastic Block Store

As EBS volumes are mounted to the instances, they provide extremely low latency between where the data is stored and where it might be used on the instance. For this reason, EBS volumes can be used to run a database, host applications, and handle storage operations for almost any computing need.

Amazon EC2 Instance Store

AWS offers another option for root volume storage for EC2 instances called Amazon EC2 instance store. The instance store is designed for temporary storage. Instance store has many limitations. When we spin up an instance by using the instance store, the volume is physically attached to the host computer.

Instance store volumes cannot be configured for the volume type (SSD or HDD) or the volume size. These configurations are determined based on the instance type that we use. Also, encrypting and retaining the volume after we delete the instance is not an option. Instance store volumes are ephemeral and retain data only while the instance is running or rebooting.

Step 7: Advance Details

The final element of launching our EC2 instance is configuring the advanced details. In this module, we will review only some of the more common advanced settings options. Next, we'll start with AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) roles.

IAM Roles

It is common to use EC2 Instances to run an application that must make secure API calls to other AWS services. To support these use cases, AWS gives us the ability to attach an IAM role to an EC2 instance. The IAM role then grants permission to the instance to make API requests to the other service, based on the policy attached to the role.

Managing IAM Roles

To attach a role to an instance, select a role from the instance profile to associate with the instance. An instance profile is a container for an IAM role. When it comes to managing roles on our EC2 instances, we have a lot of flexibility. We can attach an IAM role when we launch the instance. Or, if we need to, we can also attach a role to an EC2 instance that is already running. We can also remove roles from an instance. If we modify a role's policy, the change goes into effect for all instances that have that same role attached to them.

User Data

Next, we’ll look at user data. When we create our EC2 Instances, we have the option of passing user data to the instance. The user data section lets us copy in a script that can automate the completion of installations and configurations at instance launch. For example, a user data script might patch and update the instance's operating system, fetch and install software license keys, or install additional software.

Termination Protection

If termination protection is enabled, the instance cannot be terminated by using the console, API, or CLI until termination protection is disabled. If no value is specified, the value of the source AMI will still be used.

Tenancy

Dedicated tenancy instances run on single-tenant, dedicated hardware. Host tenancy instances run on a dedicated host. If we select dedicated tenancy or dedicated host, The costs will be increased for our instance. We have no additional charge for running our instance on shared hardware. If no value is specified, the value of the source AMI will still be used.

Finally, we are now fully prepared to launch an Amazon EC2 instance.

This is the second blog post of the Getting Started With Cloud series so if you liked it, you can follow me, and comment down your thoughts ❤️

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Getting Started with Cloud Computing

Jayesh Rajput — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:53:57 +0000

As a beginner in IT, sometimes it might be a bit overwhelming to understand the concepts of cloud or cloud computing. To develop a strong understanding of the complex architectures that revolve around the cloud. Building a strong foundation in the basics is key. Let's break it down together!

After reading this article, you should be able to:

Define Cloud Computing
Define Cloud Deployment Models
Define Cloud Computing Service Models
Understand the Advantages of Cloud Computing
Know Key Cloud Providers

Definition of Cloud Computing

Cloud Computing is the on-demand delivery of computing power, databases, storage, applications, and other IT resources over the Internet with a pay-as-you-go pricing model.

These resources run on remote servers located in large data centers in multiple locations around the world. Cloud service providers own and maintain these servers.

On-Premises Challenges

Before the advent of the Cloud, organizations had to buy physical hardware infrastructure such as RAM, processors, storage drives, and networking devices to build their on-premises servers. Although on-premises infrastructure offers complete control over data and infrastructure. It requires a significant amount of physical space, maintenance, and financial investment.

Cloud Deployment Models

Three main cloud deployment models represent the cloud environments where applications can be deployed:

Public Cloud
Hybrid Cloud
Private Cloud

Public Cloud

A cloud-native or cloud-based application is entirely deployed in the cloud and all parts of the application run in the cloud environment. Applications in the cloud are either created in the cloud or migrated from an existing on-premises infrastructure to leverage the benefits of cloud computing.

Hybrid Cloud

A hybrid deployment is a way to connect infrastructure and applications between cloud-based resources and existing resources that are not in the cloud. The most common method of hybrid deployment is between the cloud and existing on-premises infrastructure. This model enables organizations to extend and grow their infrastructure into the cloud while connecting cloud resources to internal systems.

Private Cloud

Deploying resources on-premises using virtualization and resource management tools is known as a private cloud. Although on-premises deployment does not provide many benefits of cloud computing, it can offer dedicated resources. In most cases, this deployment model is the same as legacy IT infrastructure, but it might also use application management and virtualization technologies to increase resource utilization.

Cloud Computing Service Models

There are three main service models for cloud computing. Each model represents a different part of the cloud computing stack.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)
Platform as a Service (PaaS)
Software as a Service (SaaS)

Infrastructure as a Service

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a cloud computing model that offers customers access to essential IT building blocks such as networking, computing, and data storage. IaaS provides customers with a high degree of flexibility and management control over their IT resources.

Platform as a Service

This service model eliminates the need for organizations to manage underlying infrastructure such as hardware and operating systems. It allows them to concentrate on deploying and managing their applications.

Software as a Service

This service model provides users with a complete product that is managed and run by the cloud service provider. A common example of a SaaS application is Google Drive.

The below image can help you wrap your head around the different cloud service models.

Advantages of Cloud Computing

1. Zero Upfront Cost:

Businesses do not need to invest in physical infrastructure to run their applications. This means that there is no capital expenditure (CAPEX) required, and only the operational expenditure (OPEX) has to be paid to the Cloud Service Providers (CSPs).

2. No Need to Guess the Capacity:

Businesses can easily scale their infrastructure resources up and down to meet changing demand.

3. Reach Millions in Minutes

Businesses can deploy their applications across multiple regions of Cloud Service Providers worldwide, providing customers with a better experience and lower latency with just a few clicks.

There are more advantages but these are the important ones to know.

Key Cloud Providers

Major cloud service providers include Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and others. Each provider offers a range of services, and the choice depends on specific needs and preferences.

In conclusion, cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate by providing a scalable, flexible, and cost-effective way to manage IT resources. With the various deployment and service models available, organizations can choose the one that best suits their needs. The advantages of cloud computing, such as zero upfront cost, flexible capacity, and global reach, make it an attractive option for businesses of all sizes. As a beginner, understanding the basics of cloud computing and its various models is essential to get started in this exciting and dynamic field.