# Proxmox Bare Metal Setup Guide with Trunk Interface and Management VLAN #### **Prerequisites** 1. **Hardware Requirements:** - A server that meets Proxmox VE minimum hardware requirements. - Two or more network interfaces (preferred, but one NIC can work with VLAN tagging). 2. **Software Requirements:** - Download the latest Proxmox VE ISO from the [Proxmox website](https://www.proxmox.com/). - Create a bootable USB using tools like Rufus or Balena Etcher. 3. **Network Configuration Details:** - Trunk interface capable of handling multiple VLANs. - Management VLAN ID (e.g., VLAN 10). - IP address for the Proxmox management interface. --- ### **Step 1: Install Proxmox VE** 1. **Boot from Proxmox ISO:** - Insert the bootable USB into the server and boot into the Proxmox installer. - Follow the on-screen instructions to install Proxmox VE on the desired disk. 2. **Configure the Basics:** - Set a hostname for your Proxmox server (e.g., `proxmox.example.com`). - Configure the initial network settings. For now, use a static IP for the management VLAN or assign one temporarily. 3. **Reboot:** - Once the installation is complete, reboot the server. Access the Proxmox web GUI using the IP address configured earlier. --- ### **Step 2: Configure Networking for VLANs** 1. **Login to Proxmox Shell:** - Access the shell directly or via SSH after initial setup. 2. **Edit the Network Configuration File:** - Open the network configuration file:
`nano /etc/network/interfaces`
- Configure the physical network interface as a trunk port and add the management VLAN interface. Replace `enp0s31f6` with your actual network interface name (check with `ip link`). Example configuration:
`auto loiface lo inet loopbackauto enp0s31f6iface enp0s31f6 inet manualauto vmbr0iface vmbr0 inet static address 192.168.10.2/24 gateway 192.168.10.1 bridge-ports enp0s31f6 bridge-stp off bridge-fd 0 vlan-raw-device enp0s31f6`
- Add the management VLAN configuration (VLAN ID 10 in this example):
`auto vmbr0.10iface vmbr0.10 inet static address 192.168.10.2/24 vlan-raw-device vmbr0`
3. **Apply the Configuration:** - Restart networking:
`systemctl restart networking`
- Ensure the Proxmox web GUI is accessible via the management VLAN’s IP. --- ### **Step 3: Configure Proxmox for VMs Using VLANs** 1. **Create a Bridge for Each VLAN (Optional):** - If you want VMs to communicate over specific VLANs, create additional bridges for those VLANs in the `/etc/network/interfaces` file. Example:
`auto vmbr10iface vmbr10 inet manual bridge-ports enp0s31f6.10 bridge-stp off bridge-fd 0`
2. **Assign VLANs in VM Settings:** - When creating or editing a VM, go to the **Network** section and: - Select the appropriate bridge (e.g., `vmbr10` for VLAN 10). - Configure the VLAN tag directly in the VM’s network interface settings if using a trunk bridge (e.g., `vmbr0`). --- ### **Step 4: Verify Configuration** 1. **Test Connectivity:** - Verify that Proxmox is reachable via the management VLAN. - Ping from a device on the same VLAN to confirm connectivity. 2. **Test VLAN Trunking:** - Deploy a test VM and assign it to a specific VLAN. Ensure the VM gets an IP address from the correct VLAN and can communicate with other devices. 3. **Validate Trunking:** - Use `tcpdump` or similar tools to verify tagged packets on the trunk interface:
`tcpdump -i enp0s31f6 vlan`
--- ### **Final Notes** - **Firewall:** Ensure your Proxmox firewall rules allow access to the web GUI and SSH on the management VLAN. - **VLAN-Specific Switch Configuration:** On your network switch, configure the server’s switch port as a trunk and allow the necessary VLANs. - **Backup:** Always back up the `interfaces` file before making changes.