Operating a cloud server with nova-agent

One of the key differences between a cloud server and a non-cloud virtual machine (VM) is the presence of nova-agent on the cloud server.

When you create a cloud server for any flavor of Linux or Windows, nova-agent is installed on the server, along with nova-agent’s prerequisites. For Linux, those prerequisites include xe-guest-utilities.

Normal operation of a cloud server requires nova-agent to remain active. Disabling or removing nova-agent can have unforeseen consequences to the operation of a server, and we do not recommend it.

When a cloud server is initialized, nova-agent performs startup functions such as configuring the server’s network, establishing its hostname, and setting its root or admin passwords.

While a cloud server is operational, nova-agent provides a means of interacting with the server through the API or the Cloud Control Panel. Nova-agent enables components outside the server to control the server by sending messages through the XenStore file system. For example, when an authorized user of the Cloud Control Panel sends the server a request to reset its password, the Cloud Control Panel writes the request to XenStore; nova-agent then reads from XenStore and informs the server. The hypervisor also reads XenStore, enabling the hypervisor and the cloud server to maintain consistency where necessary.

Nova-agent is documented as part of the OpenStack nova project. Following are some sources of nova-agent documentation provided by OpenStack:

• GuestAgent

• GuestAgent Xenstore Communication

• OpenStack Unix Guest Agent

• OpenStack Windows Guest Agent for Xenserver

See also

Using flavors to create a new cloud server Changing the characteristics of a cloud server Monitoring events on your cloud server Creating a cloud server in a region Handling host-related issues Operating a cloud server with nova-agent Configuring disks for a cloud server Managing access with SSH keys Synchronizing time with NTP Describing a cloud server with metadata: Setting and updating metadata Showing metadata

Understanding flavor classes: Flavor classes for virtual cloud servers Flavor classes for OnMetal cloud servers Choosing a flavor class Checking for regional availability of flavor classes Controlling cloud server initiation: Controlling boot behavior with cloud-init Controlling boot behavior with a config drive Controlling boot behavior with personality

Understanding Cloud Servers introduces key ideas. To learn how to put these ideas to work, start at Actions for Cloud Servers.