How to Install HAProxy on OpenBSD

HAProxy is a reliable and high-performance TCP/HTTP load balancer that can be used to distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers. In this tutorial, we will guide you through how to install HAProxy on OpenBSD operating system.

Prerequisites

Before proceeding with the installation process, you need to have:

• A running instance of OpenBSD.
• Administrative privileges on the server.

Step 1: Update the System

First, update the system by running the following command:

$ doas pkg_add -vv

This will update the package list on the server and make sure that you have the latest patches applied to the system.

Step 2: Install HAProxy

Install HAProxy using the following command:

$ doas pkg_add haproxy

Step 3: Configure the HAProxy

Create a configuration file /etc/haproxy.cfg and paste the following example configuration:

global
    daemon
    maxconn 256

defaults
    mode tcp
    timeout connect 5000ms
    timeout client 50000ms
    timeout server 50000ms

frontend http-in
    bind *:80
    default_backend servers

backend servers
    mode tcp
    balance roundrobin
    option tcplog
    server server1 192.168.1.101:80 check
    server server2 192.168.1.102:80 check

The configuration file consists of four main sections:

1. Global: This section defines global settings for the HAProxy daemon, such as daemon mode and maximum number of connections.

2. Defaults: This section defines default settings for all frontend and backend sections, such as timeout values.

3. Frontend: This section defines the listener for incoming traffic and the default backend for the incoming traffic.

4. Backend: This section defines how to distribute traffic across backend servers.

Step 4: Test HAProxy Configuration

Test the HAProxy configuration file by running the following command:

$ doas haproxy -c -f /etc/haproxy.cfg

If there are no syntax errors, it means the configuration file is correct.

Step 5: Start HAProxy

Start the HAProxy daemon using the following command:

$ doas rcctl enable haproxy
$ doas rcctl start haproxy

The rcctl enable command will configure HAProxy to start automatically on system boot.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you have learned how to install HAProxy on OpenBSD and configure it to distribute incoming traffic across multiple servers. With HAProxy, you can easily build a high-performance and reliable load balancer for your applications.

If you want to self-host in an easy, hands free way, need an external IP address, or simply want your data in your own hands, give IPv6.rs a try!

Alternatively, for the best virtual desktop, try Shells!