Minimum spec for node red server on VMWARE

Hello. I'm thinking about diving into node red. What is the minimum cpu, ram, and storage I need to run it on my vmware box? Also what OS works best with it. Thanks.

Not the best question for here, better for a node-red forum, but in any case it is very low spec.

I run it in docker exclusively, as I think a full VM for it is a waste, and my fully loaded container is ~200MB ram, never uses more than 1 .5 core equivalent on a peak basis, average is like 3% util. In terms of OS I've only run it on alpine and ubuntu, but it supports many others.

I don't believe there are published minimum specs, though. If I were to run it in a VM, I would do ubuntu server, 1 core, 512MB-1GB RAM - but that's me. :man_shrugging:

Here are my cpu/mem stats right now (5s update rate on graph).

  • 100% cpu in this context=1 RPi 4 core. There are 4 cores allocated, so technically the CPU graph can go to 400% - that's just how portainer displays it.
  • The cpu spikes are when I was modding/loading flows.
  • I force limit my container to 512MB memory max, and have never run out
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How are you getting these graphs for your docker container?

Portainer. The downside is that it doesn't historize them - it only collects the data while the container display is on-screen / real-time.

Docker, and by extension docker swarms, kind of stink for statistics vs Kubernetes. But Kube is a pain in the arse to use in home environments.

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Thanks. I have a small vmware box that host my router, dns server, sql server, and more. I want it on a separate vmware so I don’t screw it up when I do maintenance on my other servers. Thanks.

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that sounds pretty cool ... what kind of box & nics are you running?

I bought a Qotom i7 box from Aliexpress which has 4 Intel nics. I put inside a legrand box with all my networking there. It has been running for 6 months now with no issues.

I use a Qotom i5-5250U 4 nic for my Untangle router/firewall. Has been running great for a few years now (even if the nics do get enumerated in a different order than they physically are on the device... :roll_eyes: ).

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This is the downside of qotom. I have to go to bios and take a picture of the MAC address of each nic and light it up there as well. I have sophos UTM. I have less than 50 ips so it’s free. Does untangle have free version? I would like to try it out.

Untangle has a free version but it isn't very good / useful for long term use (in my opinion). I believe there is also a trial version with all features.

They have a "HomePro" license, which is what I use, it is $50/yr (or $40/yr in 5 year renewals).

I have had >50 IP for many years (tivo, smart tvs, dvd players, phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, etc - all adds up fast, and they all need to contact the internet), so I haven't really used/followed Sophos in some time. Looks nice, though.

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