Manage & Deploy Applications

This guide provides a simple way to manage and run applications on the ALPON X4 micro-edge computer. The ALPON X4 uses the Sixfab Connect cloud platform to make working with apps easy. It supports container-based applications, helping users keep their apps running smoothly and without much effort.

It provides step-by-step instructions for deploying containers in two ways: directly pulling from Docker Hub and using Sixfab's own container registry. While Docker Hub offers a quick and simple way to get started with pre-existing images, the Sixfab Registry provides users with the flexibility to customize and control their applications fully. If your use case requires tailored functionality or specific configurations, deploying a custom image is the recommended approach.

Getting Started with Application Deployment

The ALPON X4 leverages container-based application deployment to offer users a robust, scalable, and efficient environment. Containers allow apps to run in isolated environments, reducing conflicts and ensuring better resource utilization.

Deploying a Container from Docker Hub

This method allows users to pull ARM64-compatible images directly from Docker Hub and deploy them on ALPON X4 without additional configuration. Follow these steps to deploy your first container:

1

Navigate to the Applications Tab

• Log in to the Sixfab Connect platform.
• Select your registered ALPON X4 device under the Assets section.
• Click on the Applications tab.
• Select the + Deploy button to start creating a new container.

2

Configure Container Settings

Container Name

Assign a descriptive name to your application (e.g., MyNginxApp).

Image

Check "I would like to use my own container path" and enter the container path (e.g., nginx:latest). This pulls the official nginx image directly from Docker Hub.

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ARM64 Required Only ARM64-compatible images can run on the ALPON X4. Ensure the selected image is built for ARM64. Most official images on Docker Hub (such as nginx, redis, and mysql) offer ARM64 versions.

Environments

Add key-value pairs to set environment variables inside the container (e.g., DATABASE_URL: my-database-url). These configure the container's behavior dynamically.

Ports

Map external ports on ALPON X4 to internal container ports. Example: external 30800 → internal 80. Valid range: 30000–32767.

Volumes

Bind directories or files from ALPON X4 to the container for persistent data storage. Allows file interactions without restarting the container. Learn more about Docker volumes →

Host Network

Allows the container to use the host device's network stack. Suitable for applications requiring direct access to the host's network interface. Learn more →

Privileged

Grants the container root access to all devices on the host system. Use carefully — this poses security risks. Learn more →

3

Deploy the Container

Before clicking + Deploy, review the setup to ensure all fields are filled in correctly:

Click + Deploy to launch the container. Once deployed, the app will be accessible via the mapped port (e.g., http://[Device_IP]:30800).

Deploying a Custom Image via Sixfab Registry

For advanced use cases, you can create custom container images and push them to the Sixfab Registry for deployment.

1

Prepare Your Image

Ensure Docker and Docker Buildx are installed on your personal computer before proceeding.

Install Docker

Windows and Mac: Download Docker Desktop from the official Docker website. Docker Desktop includes Docker Buildx by default.

Linux: Follow the Docker documentation for your distribution. Verify Buildx is available:

terminalshell

docker buildx version

Create a Dockerfile

Create a file named Dockerfile. Example for testing:

Dockerfiledockerfile

FROM nginx:stable-alpine

RUN echo "Test successful, actively running." > /usr/share/nginx/html/index.html

i

For the Docker image to run on ALPON X4, it must be configured for ARM64 architecture. Use the --platform linux/arm64 flag during the build process to verify compatibility.

Build the Image

Navigate to the directory containing the Dockerfile and run:

terminalshell

docker buildx build --load --platform linux/arm64 -t first-app:latest ./

2

Push the Image to Sixfab Registry

Access the Registry

Log in to Sixfab Connect → Registry and locate your username at the top of the page.

Set Your Registry Password

If you have not yet set your registry password, click Reset Password on the Sixfab Registry page and follow the on-screen instructions.

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The password will only be displayed once. Save it securely before closing the dialog.

Log in to the Registry

terminalshell

docker login cr.sixfab.io --username [your_username]

Enter your registry password when prompted.

Verify the Image Exists Locally

terminalshell

docker images

output

REPOSITORY    TAG      IMAGE ID       CREATED        SIZE
first-app     latest   4bfb6d85adc2   1 hours ago    53.1MB

Tag the Image

Replace [your_username] with your Sixfab Registry username:

terminalshell

docker tag first-app:latest cr.sixfab.io/[your_username]/first-app:latest

Push the Image

terminalshell

docker push cr.sixfab.io/[your_username]/first-app:latest

Verify in the Registry

Once the push is complete, refresh the Sixfab Registry page to confirm the image appears and is ready for deployment.

3

Deploy the Container

Go to the Apps tab on your Sixfab Connect dashboard and click + Deploy. Fill in the details:

Container Name

Provide a descriptive name for your container.

Image

Select the image you just uploaded from the Sixfab Registry dropdown.

Assign a unique port to avoid conflicts (e.g., if port 30800 is in use, assign 30900). Review the configuration, then click + Deploy.

Once deployed, access the container through the assigned port using one of the access methods described in the next section.

Access to the Container

Access from Local Network

Find your device's IP address on the local network:

Make sure your computer is connected to the same network as the ALPON X4. In your browser, navigate to http://[Device_IP]:30800 (replace with the actual IP). If set up correctly, you should see the nginx welcome page.

Access Outside the Local Network via Remote Terminal

If your device is not on the local network, go to the Device tab on the platform and click Open Remote Terminal.

In the terminal, enter the following command to check the container's status:

curl http://127.0.0.1:30800

If the container is running successfully, the output should display the nginx welcome page content:

Access via Monitor Connected to Device

Connect a monitor to the ALPON X4 via HDMI. Open a web browser on the device and navigate to http://127.0.0.1:30800 to access the container interface directly from the device.

Manage Containers

Once deployed, containers can be monitored and controlled directly from the cloud platform.

These steps ensure efficient management of applications on ALPON X4, minimizing effort.