Module 1: Introduction to OpenShift 4.18/4.19

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will:

  • Understand what OpenShift Container Platform 4.18/4.19 is and its key benefits

  • Know the different installation methods available for bare metal deployments

  • Understand the workshop structure and learning path

  • Have a clear overview of prerequisites needed for deployment

  • Be ready to choose the appropriate installation method for your environment

Platform Architecture: Components & Benefits

Workshop Knowledge Graph
Figure 1. Platform Architecture

OpenShift 4.18/4.19: Enterprise Kubernetes Platform

OpenShift Container Platform 4.18/4.19 is Red Hat’s enterprise Kubernetes platform that provides a complete application platform for developing, deploying, and managing containerized applications.

Core Platform Foundation

  • Kubernetes 1.31/1.32: Container orchestration foundation

    • OpenShift 4.18 built on Kubernetes 1.31

    • OpenShift 4.19 built on Kubernetes 1.32

    • Enhanced with enterprise-grade features and security

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux CoreOS (RHCOS): Immutable operating system

    • Purpose-built for containerized workloads

    • Automatic updates and self-healing capabilities

    • Optimized for OpenShift Container Platform

  • Enterprise Integration: Security, monitoring, networking, and storage integrated out-of-the-box

    • Built-in security scanning and compliance

    • Integrated monitoring with Prometheus and Grafana

    • Software-defined networking with OVN-Kubernetes

    • Storage integration with OpenShift Data Foundation

Key Benefits for Bare Metal Deployments

Performance and Control

  • Direct Hardware Access: Maximum performance without hypervisor overhead

  • Custom Hardware Support: GPUs, FPGAs, and specialized networking hardware

  • Resource Optimization: Full control over CPU, memory, and storage allocation

  • Predictable Performance: Consistent performance for critical workloads

Enterprise Security

  • Hardware-Level Security: Secure Boot, TPM, and hardware encryption support

  • Network Isolation: Physical network segmentation capabilities

  • Compliance: FIPS 140-2/140-3 cryptography support

  • Air-Gapped Deployments: Complete disconnected operation support

Operational Efficiency

  • Automated Lifecycle Management: Seamless updates and maintenance

  • Self-Healing Infrastructure: Automatic recovery from failures

  • Unified Management: Single platform for VMs and containers

  • Cost Optimization: Eliminate hypervisor licensing and overhead

Key Features & Benefits

Why Choose OpenShift for Bare Metal?

Enterprise Security

  • Built-in security scanning and compliance

  • Pod security standards and network policies

  • FIPS 140-2/140-3 cryptography support

Operational Efficiency

  • Automated updates and lifecycle management

  • Self-healing infrastructure

  • Integrated monitoring and observability

Developer Productivity

  • Multiple programming languages and frameworks

  • Built-in container registry and build services

  • Comprehensive API and CLI tools

Bare Metal Advantages

  • Maximum performance with direct hardware access

  • Full control over infrastructure and security

  • Cost optimization for predictable workloads

  • Compliance with data sovereignty requirements

Installation Methods: Assisted vs Agent-based

OpenShift 4.18/4.19 provides two modern installation methods optimized for bare metal deployments, both eliminating the complexity of traditional User-Provisioned Infrastructure (UPI).

Modern Installer Advantages

Both installation methods provide significant improvements over traditional approaches:

  • No Bootstrap Node Required: Simplified architecture eliminates temporary bootstrap infrastructure

  • Automatic Hardware Discovery: Discovery ISOs detect and validate hardware automatically

  • Virtual IP Management: Built-in VIP management eliminates external load balancer requirements

  • Real-time Validation: Continuous validation throughout the installation process

Assisted Installer: Cloud-guided Installation

Best for: Connected environments with web-based management preference

Key Characteristics

  • Interface: Web-based console with guided workflow

  • Environment: Requires internet connectivity to Red Hat services

  • Automation: Automated validation, real-time monitoring, and smart defaults

  • User Experience: Intuitive UI suitable for all skill levels

Technical Features

  • Discovery Process: Automatic hardware detection and validation

  • Network Configuration: Simplified network setup with VIP management

  • Monitoring: Real-time installation progress tracking

  • Validation: Continuous pre-flight and installation checks

Documentation Reference

Agent-based Installer: Air-gapped Installation

Best for: Disconnected environments, custom configurations, and automation

Key Characteristics

  • Interface: Declarative configuration files and command-line tools

  • Environment: Supports fully air-gapped and disconnected deployments

  • Customization: Complete control over all installation parameters

  • Automation: Ideal for CI/CD integration and infrastructure-as-code

Technical Features

  • Configuration Files: install-config.yaml and agent-config.yaml for declarative setup

  • Mirror Registry: Built-in support for disconnected image mirroring

  • Agent ISO: Self-contained installation media with embedded configuration

  • Offline Operation: Complete installation without internet connectivity

Documentation Reference

Installation Method Decision Framework

Choose your installation method based on these key factors:

Factor Assisted Installer Agent-based Installer

Connectivity

Requires internet access

Supports air-gapped environments

Interface

Web-based GUI

Configuration files + CLI

Skill Level

Beginner to intermediate

Intermediate to advanced

Customization

Standard configurations

Full customization control

Automation

Manual web interface

CI/CD and automation friendly

Use Cases

Connected labs, POCs, standard deployments

Production, regulated environments, custom setups

Workshop Learning Path: Structured Approach

This workshop follows a knowledge-driven learning path designed around modern OpenShift deployment practices and the simplified infrastructure approach enabled by Assisted and Agent-based installers.

Learning Path Overview

Foundation Phase

  • Module 1 (Current): Platform architecture, installation methods, and workshop structure

  • Module 2: Simplified infrastructure preparation (no bootstrap node required)

Installation Phase (Choose Your Path)

  • Module 3: Assisted Installer deployment (connected environments)

  • Module 4: Agent-based Installer deployment (disconnected environments)

Configuration Phase

  • Module 5: Storage configuration with OpenShift Data Foundation

  • Module 6: Advanced networking configuration

  • Module 7: Optional features (Virtualization, AI/ML, VDDK migration)

Key Learning Principles

Knowledge Graph Approach

The workshop is structured as a knowledge graph where concepts build upon each other:

  • Core Concepts: OpenShift platform, RHCOS, and Kubernetes foundations

  • Installation Methods: Understanding the decision points and trade-offs

  • Simplified Infrastructure: Modern approach eliminating traditional complexity

  • Practical Implementation: Hands-on deployment and configuration

Decision-Driven Learning

Rather than covering all possible scenarios, the workshop guides you through decision points:

  1. Installation Method Decision: Based on your environment (connected vs disconnected)

  2. Cluster Configuration: Standard HA vs Compact cluster options

  3. Infrastructure Approach: VIPs vs external load balancers

  4. Advanced Features: Optional components based on your requirements

Modern Best Practices Focus

The workshop emphasizes current OpenShift deployment best practices:

  • Assisted/Agent-based Installers: Modern installation methods

  • Discovery ISO Boot: Automated hardware detection

  • Virtual IP Management: Simplified networking

  • Immutable Infrastructure: RHCOS-aware approaches

  • Declarative Configuration: Infrastructure-as-code principles

Workshop Outcomes

By completing this workshop, you will:

  • Understand OpenShift 4.18/4.19 architecture and benefits for bare metal

  • Choose the appropriate installation method for your environment

  • Deploy a production-ready OpenShift cluster using modern installers

  • Configure enterprise-grade storage and networking

  • Implement optional features like virtualization and AI/ML workloads

  • Apply best practices for ongoing cluster management

Prerequisites Overview

Before beginning the hands-on modules, you’ll need:

Account Requirements

Infrastructure Requirements

  • Bare metal servers meeting minimum specifications

  • Network infrastructure (DNS, load balancers)

  • Proper BIOS/UEFI configuration

Skills and Knowledge

  • Basic Linux system administration

  • Understanding of networking concepts

  • Familiarity with containerization concepts

Detailed verification procedures for all prerequisites are covered in Module 2.

Next Steps

Now that you understand OpenShift 4.18/4.19 and the workshop structure, you’re ready to begin the hands-on preparation.

Your Learning Path

  1. Complete Module 2: Infrastructure preparation and prerequisites verification

  2. Choose your installation method based on your environment:

    • Module 3 for Assisted Installer (connected environments)

    • Module 4 for Agent-based Installer (disconnected/custom environments)

  3. Configure storage and networking in Modules 5-6

  4. Explore optional features in Module 7

Documentation References

For additional information about OpenShift 4.18/4.19:

Continue to Module 2: Prerequisites and Infrastructure for OpenShift 4.18/4.19.