How to host Node RED on Vultr Server - ServerAvatar

Node-RED is a widely used open-source platform for building and managing complex automation workflows effortlessly. It allows users to visually create and coordinate flows for integrating various services and devices, making it suitable for applications from IoT to data processing tasks. When selecting a hosting solution for Node-RED, Vultr stands out as a reliable option with scalable infrastructure and simple deployment solutions. ServerAvatar makes the deployment of the Node-RED on the Vultr platform straightforward through a simplified process.

Create a Cloud Instance in Vultr

To create a server in Vultr, follow the below given steps. If you want to learn How to use Vultr to manage your infrastructure in Vultr, You can refer to our Vultr cloud guide.

Step 1: Go to the Instance Creation Page

Vultr provides different types of cloud instances. From the server creation page, you can create cloud instances such as Regular VMs, Dedicated, Bare Metal, Cloud GPUs, and some managed services.

To access the server creation page, log in to your Vultr account and click on the Deploy New Server option from the + button given on the dashboard.

Step 2: Choose the Server

You can create 4 different types of cloud instances which includes Optimised Cloud Compute, Cloud Compute, Cloud GPU, and Bare Metal. Select the one that fits your requirements.

Step 3: Choose Server Type

Based on your selection of the server in the second step, You will have to select a specific type of server. If you have selected the Optimised Cloud Compute instance, You will see the options like this as shown in the image below:

Step 4: Select Server Location

Location is a very important option. Make sure to select a server location closest to your major traffic source demographically. You can select locations in 5 different continents.

Step 5: Select Server Image

In simple terms, a Server image is an operating system running on the server. So here, You have to select an OS for your server.

If you are managing your servers with ServerAvatar, Select Ubuntu 20.04 or Ubuntu 22.04.

Step 6: Select Server Size

Here, Select a server size according to your requirements. The minimum requirements for hosting Node-RED applications are a minimum of 2GB or more RAM to ensure smooth operation, especially if handling multiple flows or integrations, and a minimum of 10GB of free disk space is recommended, but more may be needed depending on the size of your flows and data storage requirements. So, select the plan based on the complexity and traffic of your sites.

If you are just getting started with the project, You can start with a small configuration and then upgrade it according to future requirements.

Step 7: Add Auto Backups and Additional Features

We recommend you to enable auto backups for important websites or apps. If you are creating a temporary server, You can skip the auto backups.

In addition to this feature, You can enable DDOS Protection and other options according to your requirements.

Do not enable the "No Public IPv4 Address" option. It will create the server without IPv4, which is impossible to connect with ServerAvatar.

Step 8: Select an SSH Key

If you use an SSH key to authenticate with the server, Select an SSH key in this section. If you haven't uploaded your key yet, You can do it by clicking on the Add New option.

SSH key is not mandatory. If you don’t want to use SSH keys, Ignore this option. You can still connect to your server by using the password.

Step 9: Firewall Group

If you are using the Vultr firewall, You can select the firewall group from here.

If you do not have the 43210 port enabled in your firewall group, you need to configure it to connect a server with ServerAvatar.

Step 10: Server Hostname and Label

In this step, you have to choose the hostname and the label for the server. You can set the same hostname and label. They are used for identification purposes only.

Step 11: Deploy Now!

Finally, click on the Deploy Now button to create a server. It might take a minute or two to fully boot up your server. Once it is ready, You will see it in the Products section in Vultr.

Initial Server Configuration

The Initial server configuration includes the installation and configuration of various packages required to host your website. Usually, You have to write commands and modify configuration files. Luckily, With ServerAvatar, Your full server configuration and optimization can be automated.

Here are the three ways to automatically configure your server with ServerAvatar.

wget https://srvr.so/install
chmod +x install
./install

Install and Setup Node-RED on Cloud using ServerAvatar

Getting Started With Node-RED:

Node-RED is a flow-based development tool that utilizes visual programming, developed by IBM. It provides a web-based interface enabling users to integrate hardware devices, APIs, and online services creatively.

Node-RED supports the development of custom nodes using JavaScript, following developers to extend its capabilities and seamlessly integrate with proprietary systems. Its efficient runtime and compatibility with Docker containers ensure easy deployment, whether on cloud platforms or local servers.

Key Features:

• Visual Programming: Node-RED uses a visual programming model, which makes the creation and visualization of complex workflows easier.
• Web-Based Interface: Node-RED offers a web-based interface that is accessible from anywhere, making it convenient for remote development and monitoring.
• Open Source: Node-RED is open-source software, that promotes transparency, collaboration, and innovation within the developers.
• Real-Time Processing: Node-RED enables real-time data processing and supports event-driven applications, making it suitable for IoT and automation projects.

Let's begin by creating the application.

Step 1: Create a Node-RED application

• Log in to your ServerAvatar account and navigate to the Application tab from the server panel. click on the Create button.

• On the following screen, fill in the Application details, including:

  • Application Name: Enter your Application Name.
  • Select Domain: Select between a Test Domain or a Primary Domain as per your requirements.
  • Enter Domain: Enter your Application Domain.
  • Method: Select One Click as your application method.
  • Select Application: Select Node RED as an Application.
  • Username: Enter your application Username.
  • Password: Enter the Password for your application.

• After Filling up the details, click on the Create Application button.

Note: If the Node-RED option is disabled and you are unable to select it, you will need to follow additional provided steps.

• Navigate to the Server Settings option and click on the Install button next to the Node Red option.

• After completing the installation process of Node-RED, you can proceed with creating the Node-RED application.

Step 2: Access Node-RED

• Once the Node-RED Application is created, click on the domain link of your Node-RED application.

• The Node-RED interface will open, showing that the installation and setup have been completed successfully.

  • Enter your Username and Password.
  • Click the Login button.

• Congratulations! You've successfully set up a fully functional Node-RED application using ServerAvatar.