Challange: Running OpenShift Workloads Without Cloud Connectivity

Deploying containerized workloads in edge environments often means operating in air-gapped conditions with no internet access, limited resources, and real-time processing needs. Industries such as manufacturing, defense, and critical infrastructure require solutions that are fully independent, secure, and optimized for constrained hardware.

Solution: Self-Sufficient MicroShift Deployment

I implemented a fully air-gapped Edge Computing solution using MicroShift, a lightweight OpenShift distribution built for constrained environments. The key components of this solution included:

  • Local Container Registry: Enabled full offline operation by setting up a private container registry, eliminating reliance on external sources.
  • Offline Updates & Security Patching: Automated the update process using mirrored repositories and air-gapped patching.
  • Optimized for Low-Power Hardware: Deployed on small industrial PCs, ARM/x86 edge servers, and embedded systems, ensuring efficient resource usage.

Results: Reliable, Secure, and Autonomous Edge Computing

  • Fully Self-Sufficient Edge Deployment – No external network required
  • Optimized for Remote & Low-Power Devices – Efficient resource allocation
  • Secure Offline Updates & Local Registry – Ensuring operational integrity
  • Real-Time Processing Without Cloud Dependencies – Reduced latency & improved reliability

This solution enables organizations to run OpenShift-based workloads at the edge with full autonomy, even in the most rugged and disconnected environments.