Configuring Azure Load Balancer for Two Apache2 Ubuntu VMs

Module 7: Assignment - 1

Tasks To Be Performed:

1. Deploy 2 VMs with Ubuntu and Apache2 installed
2. Change index.html to include the following text a. “This is VM1” on VM1 b. “This is VM2” on VM2
3. Create a load balancer which will balance the traffic between these two VMs

Step 1: Deploy 2 VMs with Ubuntu and Apache2 Installed §

• Use Assignment 1: Module 4 for reference
• Make sure to put the following in “user data”

#!/bin/bash
 
# Update the package list
sudo apt-get update
 
# Install Apache2
sudo apt-get install apache2 -y
 
# Ensure Apache2 is running and enabled
sudo systemctl start apache2
sudo systemctl enable apache2
 
# Change the contents of the default Apache page
echo "This is VM1" | sudo tee /var/www/html/index.html

Step 2: Change index.html on Both VMs §

1. I SSH into VM1:

   • I connect to VM1 using SSH.

2. I Modify index.html on VM1:

   • I run sudo nano /var/www/html/index.html (or use any other text editor).
   • I add the text “This is VM1” to the file.
   • I save and close the file.

3. I Repeat for VM2:

   • I SSH into VM2.
   • I follow the same steps to modify the index.html, this time adding “This is VM2”.

Step 3: Create a Load Balancer §

1. I Navigate to Load Balancers in Azure Portal:

   • I log into the Azure Portal.
   • I search for “Load Balancer” and click ”+ Create”
   • Made sure “Type” was “Public”
   • “Frontend IP configuration” picked a Public IP I created in “Public IP Addresses”
     
   • “Backend pools” I add my 2 VMs
     

2. I Create a New Load Balancer:

   • I fill in the details for the load balancer, like name, region (should be the same as VMs), and choose Public.
   • I create a new public IP address for the load balancer if it’s public.

3. I Configure the Backend Pool:

   • After creating the load balancer, I navigate to its settings.
   • I add a backend pool and include both VM1 and VM2 in this pool.
     

4. I Configure Load Balancing Rules:

• The probe can be set to check the HTTP availability on port 80.
  

  
  

  • I create a load balancing rule that directs traffic to the backend pool.
  • I set it to listen on port 80 and direct traffic to port 80 on the VMs.
    
    

7. I Test the Load Balancer:

   • I navigate to the public IP address of the load balancer in a web browser.

   • The page should display “This is VM1” or “This is VM2”, depending on which VM is serving the request.

     
     After refreshing the page 100 times..