How to Install Ansible with AWX on Ubuntu Linux

Managing multiple servers and automating complex IT tasks can be streamlined with Ansible, a powerful automation tool. When combined with AWX, the open-source web interface for Ansible, you gain a centralized dashboard for managing your playbooks, inventories, and job execution. Installing Ansible with AWX on Ubuntu Linux enables efficient, scalable automation for your infrastructure, whether for small projects or enterprise environments. Before starting, ensure your Ubuntu system is updated and has a stable internet connection, as you’ll be installing several dependencies and Docker containers.

What You’ll Need

• Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later (preferably 22.04 for newer features)
• Root or sudo user privileges
• At least 4GB RAM and 20GB disk space (recommended for AWX)
• Internet connection for downloading packages and containers
• Basic familiarity with Linux command line and SSH access

Step-by-Step

1. Update Your System: Start by ensuring your Ubuntu system is up to date.

   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

2. Install Required Dependencies: Install packages needed for Docker, Python, and other tools.

   sudo apt install -y software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl gnupg-agent

3. Add Docker’s Official GPG Key and Repository: This allows you to install Docker from the official source.

   curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
   

   echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list

4. Install Docker Engine: Install Docker and verify it’s working.

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
   sudo systemctl enable docker
   sudo systemctl start docker

5. Install Docker Compose: Needed for orchestrating multi-container applications.

   sudo curl -L "https://github.com/docker/compose/releases/latest/download/docker-compose-$(uname -s)-$(uname -m)" -o /usr/local/bin/docker-compose
   sudo chmod +x /usr/local/bin/docker-compose

6. Clone the AWX Repository: Get the latest AWX deployment files.

   git clone https://github.com/ansible/awx.git
   cd awx/installer

7. Edit the Inventory File: Customize the deployment by editing inventory.

   nano inventory

   In this file, set the admin_password and other variables as needed. Save and exit.

8. Run the AWX Installer: Deploy AWX with Docker Compose.

   ansible-playbook -i inventory install.yml

   This process may take 20-30 minutes as containers are pulled and configured.

9. Access AWX Dashboard: Once deployment completes, determine your server’s IP address.

   ip a

   Open a web browser and go to http://your_server_ip. Log in with the username admin and the password you set in inventory.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping system updates before starting the installation, leading to dependency issues.
• Not editing the inventory file to set passwords or variables, which can cause deployment failures.
• Forgetting to enable and start Docker services after installation.
• Using an unsupported Ubuntu version; AWX is best on Ubuntu 20.04 or 22.04.
• Not checking Docker and container logs when AWX fails to start properly.

Tips

• Ensure your server has sufficient resources; AWX can be resource-intensive.
• Use a dedicated user for installation to avoid permission issues.
• Regularly update your Docker images and containers for security and features.
• Backup your AWX configuration periodically.
• Consult the official AWX and Ansible documentation for advanced configurations.

Troubleshooting

If AWX does not start or you encounter errors:

• Check container status: Run docker ps -a to see if containers are running or exited. Restart containers with docker restart <container_id>.
• Review logs: Use docker logs <container_id> to identify errors.
• Verify network settings: Ensure your server’s firewall allows access to the AWX port (default 80 or 443).
• Re-run the installer: If deployment failed midway, delete existing containers and rerun the playbook.
• Check system resources: Insufficient RAM or disk space can cause deployment failures. Upgrade if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I install AWX without Docker?

AWX relies on Docker containers, so installing it without Docker is not feasible. However, you can consider using the Tower commercial version if needed.

2. How do I update AWX after installation?

Pull the latest AWX repository updates, then rerun the install.yml playbook. Backup configuration before updating.

3. Is AWX secure on Ubuntu?

Yes, but make sure to keep your server updated, use HTTPS, and configure firewalls properly to secure access.

4. Can I run AWX on a virtual machine?

Absolutely. Just ensure your VM has enough resources and network configuration is correct for external access.

5. What are the prerequisites for using AWX?

You need a supported Ubuntu version, Docker installed, and basic familiarity with command-line operations.

6. How do I back up AWX data?

Back up Docker volumes and configuration files regularly. Use snapshots or Docker commands to export container data.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully deploy Ansible with AWX on Ubuntu Linux, empowering your automation projects with a robust web interface and centralized management.

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