Welcome to this step-by-step guide for setting up your own private chat server with Openfire! Openfire is a robust, open-source tool based on the XMPP protocol, perfect for real-time messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing. Whether you're connecting a small team or a larger community, this guide will help you install, configure, and launch Openfire on Sixfab Connect—all from your ALPON X4 device. Let’s get started!

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

Database Setup:
Openfire requires a database to store its configuration and user data. Supported databases include MySQL, PostgreSQL, and embedded databases like HSQLDB. For production environments, it is recommended to use MySQL or PostgreSQL. The database will be deployed using Sixfab Connect as part of the setup process.

What You’ll Do:

• Set up a MySQL database.
• Install and deploy Openfire.
• Access the admin panel to finalize your setup.

Ready? Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Deploy MySQL

Let’s start by deploying MySQL, which will serve as the backbone for Openfire’s data storage.

Once the container image is uploaded to the Sixfab Connect registry, deploy it as follows:

1. Go to the Application section of your asset on Sixfab Connect.

2. Click the + Deploy button to configure and deploy the container.

3. In the Deploy Container window, use the following settings:
   
   

   • Container Name: Enter the application name (e.g., "mysql-container").

   • Image: Select the "I would like to use my own container path" option during deployment and enter: arm64v8/mysql:latest

   • Environment: Click "+ Add More" in the environment section and add the following values:

     Key	Value
     MYSQL_ROOT_PASSWORD	root
     MYSQL_USER	openfire
     MYSQL_PASSWORD	openfire

     
     

   • Enable the “Host Network” option.

   • Click the "+ Deploy" button to deploy.

   
   

Step 2: Clone and Deploy Openfire

Now that your database is running, it’s time to bring Openfire into the picture.

1. Clone the Openfire Repository:

   • Open a terminal on your personal computer and clone the Openfire repository using Git:
   Bash

   git clone https://github.com/igniterealtime/Openfire.git
   

   • Move into the Openfire folder:
   Bash

   cd Openfire
   

2. Build the Openfire Docker Image:

   • Use the provided Dockerfile to build the Openfire image:
   Bash

   docker buildx build --platform=linux/arm64 -t openfire:latest .
   

   Note: If you attempt to build an arm64 image on an amd64 system using docker buildx, you may encounter issues related to cross-platform compatibility specific to this application. To avoid compatibility problems, it is recommended to build the Docker image on an arm64 device.

   • Log in to the Sixfab Connect platform, navigate to the Sixfab Registry page
   • Click on + Add Container and follow the prompts to push container to Sixfab registry.
     
     

     📘

     Manage and Deploy Applications

     Visit the Manage & Deploy Applications page for all the necessary details on pushing your container image to the Sixfab Registry.
     
     

3. Deploy Openfire on Sixfab Connect:

   • Go to the Application section of your asset on Sixfab Connect.
   • Select the Openfire image you uploaded to the Sixfab Registry.
   • Set the Application Name (e.g., openfire).
   • Enable the “Host Network” option.
   • Click Deploy to start the Openfire container.

Step 3: Configure Openfire via the Admin Console

You’re almost there! Let’s finalize the setup.

• Open Your Browser: Type http://<your-alpons-ip>:9090 into the address bar (replace with your ALPON X4’s actual IP address).
• Follow the Setup Wizard: The Openfire admin console will guide you through:
  • Connecting to your MySQL database (use the credentials from Step 1).
  • Setting up an admin account.
  • Configuring basic server settings.

Wrapping Up

Congratulations! You’ve now got a fully functional Openfire chat server running on your ALPON X4. It’s ready for secure, real-time messaging, calls, and file sharing with your team or community. Need more help? Check out the Openfire documentation for extra tips and tricks.

Enjoy your private chat server and happy communicating!