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Installing Checkmk Server ARM-based system like a Raspberry Pi

·442 words·3 mins
Feature Image: Checkmk Monitoring (AI-generated)
The project Checkmk for Raspberry Pi was retired in February 2024. But there is already a fork with recent CheckMK versions: https://github.com/FloTheSysadmin/check-mk-arm

Installing Checkmk Server on a Raspberry Pi (ARM) #

Monitoring your IT infrastructure is crucial for maintaining uptime and resolving issues proactively (even if it is perhaps only your own home infrastructure). Checkmk is a powerful and comprehensive monitoring tool that can provide real-time insights into your systems. While Checkmk doesn’t officially support ARM, a community-maintained ARM package is available. This guide outlines how to install Checkmk Server on a Raspberry Pi using the package from chrisss404/check-mk-arm.

Prerequisites #

Before starting, ensure you have the following:

  • A Raspberry Pi 3 or better Pi 4 (recommended for performance).
  • A microSD card (32GB or larger) with Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) installed.
  • A stable internet connection ;-)
  • Basic knowledge of Linux commands.

Step 1: Prepare Your Raspberry Pi #

  1. Update the Raspberry Pi OS: Make sure your Raspberry Pi OS is up-to-date. Open a terminal and run:
    sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
    

Step 2: Download and Install the ARM Package #

  1. Download the Package: Download the prebuild Deb-package from Github. You will find the latest version here: https://github.com/chrisss404/check-mk-arm/releases

    cd /tmp
    wget https://github.com/chrisss404/check-mk-arm/releases/download/2.1.0p18/check-mk-raw-2.1.0p18_0.bullseye_arm64.deb
    
  2. Install the Package: Use the package manager to install Checkmk:

    dpkg -i /tmp/check-mk-raw-2.1.0p18_0.bullseye_arm64.deb
    apt-get update && apt-get install -f
    

Step 3: Configure Checkmk #

  1. Create a Monitoring Site: Checkmk uses sites to organize monitoring configurations. Create a site named monitoring:

    sudo omd create monitoring
    

    During this process, Checkmk will initialize the configuration and directories for the site.

  2. Start the Site: Activate the site to start monitoring:

    sudo omd start monitoring
    
  3. Access the Web Interface: Find the IP address of your Raspberry Pi by running:

    hostname -I
    

    Open a web browser and navigate to http://<raspberry-pi-ip>/<site-name>. For example:

    http://192.168.1.100/monitoring
    

    Log in with the default credentials:

    • Username: cmkadmin
    • Password: Set during the site creation.

Step 4: Configure Monitoring #

  1. Add Hosts: Use the web interface to add hosts you want to monitor. Configure agents or SNMP settings as needed.

  2. Set Up Notifications: Configure email alerts or integrations with other systems to receive notifications for critical events.

Step 5: Optimize Performance #

Running Checkmk on a Raspberry Pi is resource-constrained compared to a dedicated server. To optimize performance:

  • Limit the number of hosts and services monitored.
  • Use lightweight checks.
  • Regularly monitor the Raspberry Pi’s CPU and memory usage.

Conclusion #

Using the ARM package from chrisss404/check-mk-arm allows you to install Checkmk Server on a Raspberry Pi seamlessly. This setup provides a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution for small-scale monitoring needs. Follow the steps in this guide to get started and enjoy the benefits of real-time infrastructure insights.