69 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
69 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# System on Chip
|
||
|
||
## Brief
|
||
|
||
Employing containerized applications via clustering modern ARM-based System on Chip (SoC)
|
||
|
||
- by `rskntroot` on `2024-05-30`
|
||
|
||
## Background
|
||
|
||
My fascination with ARM-based microcontrollers is in their use as an extremely lightweight replacement for rack-mounted servers.
|
||
In this regard, a power-efficent SoC that can run containerized services has quite the appeal for personal-use applications.
|
||
With the cost of power these days I am baffled at the thought of running the previous generations discounted servers at home.
|
||
|
||
A few years ago, with the ever raging popularity and scarcity of RaspberryPis,
|
||
I like many others found myself looking for an alternative "PiLike" SoCs.
|
||
After finding LibreComputers offerings, I was delighted to find the "Le Potato".
|
||
For under $40 USD, the [AML-S905X-CC-V1](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc/) could reliably run Ubuntu-Server with support for containers!
|
||
Usage of a mainstream Linux-disto on SoC was a game-changer.
|
||
|
||
Fast forward to 2024, I stumbled across the somewhat quiet release of the 2023 [AML-S905X-CC-V2](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc-v2/).
|
||
For just around $35 USD, this release sports USB-C power-in.
|
||
But even better is the PoE support with the addition of a $15 USD [PoE hat](https://www.loverpi.com/products/loverpi-poe-hat-with-pwm-fan-controller-for-aml-s905x-cc-v2-sweet-potato),
|
||
you can deploy these with a single cable, given you have the infrastructure for it and don't mind 100Mb/s.
|
||
|
||
## Recommendation
|
||
|
||
The [Sweet Potato AML-S905X-CC-V2](https://libre.computer/products/aml-s905x-cc-v2/) is a great starter board.
|
||
Seriously, check out the specs.
|
||
This little guy is packing just enough for a streamlined CI/CD pipeline to host some tolerant webservices on the edge.
|
||
(For obvious reasons, "the edge" is just my family and friend's houses across the United States.)
|
||
|
||
If you need more RAM, USB3.0, or AI Acceleration is mandatory, checkout LibreComputer's
|
||
[Alta](https://libre.computer/products/aml-a311d-cc/) which will quickly double your investment.
|
||
|
||
## Projects
|
||
|
||
This website is hosted on 2 sweet potatos with an alta as the cluster controller.
|
||
|
||
## Notes
|
||
|
||
### PoE Setup
|
||
|
||
Using Power over Ethernet (PoE) to run your SoCs is just awesome! You only need 1 cable?! Be sure to get yourself some good cables and a solid PoE switch.
|
||
|
||
I have personnally been using these:
|
||
|
||
- [CAT8 Ethernet cables](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PL1P53C/)
|
||
- Ive used countless Ethernet Cables and fashioning hundreds of my own; can confirm these are premium.
|
||
- [1G PoE+ 8-port Switch](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FCQ8BRC)
|
||
- Unmanaged switch that I can recommend. Works like a charm.
|
||
|
||
### CAT8 Real?
|
||
|
||
Telco Data [article](https://www.telco-data.com/blog/cat-cables/):
|
||
|
||
"Category 8 is the official successor to Cat6A cabling.
|
||
It is officially recognized by the IEEE and EIA and parts and pieces are standardized across manufacturers.
|
||
The primary benefit of Cat8 cabling is faster throughput over short distances: 40 Gbps up to 78’ and 25 Gbps up to 100’.
|
||
From 100’ to 328’, Cat8 provides the same 10Gbps throughput as Cat6A cabling."
|
||
|
||
ANSI/TIA [TIA Press Release](https://standards.tiaonline.org/tia-issues-new-balanced-twisted-pair-telecommunications-cabling-and-components-standard-addendum-1):
|
||
|
||
"TIA-568-C.2-1 - This addendum specifies minimum requirements for shielded category 8 balanced twisted-pair telecommunications
|
||
cabling (e.g. channels and permanent links) and components (e.g. cable,connectors, connecting hardware, and equipment cords)
|
||
that are used up to and including the equipment outlet/connector in data centers, equipment rooms, and other spaces that need
|
||
high speed applications. This addendum also specifies field test procedures and applicable laboratory reference measurement
|
||
procedures for all transmission parameters."
|