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Create and connect instance

Create instance​

An instance is a virtualized hardware resource used to configure servers with various instance types. Here's how to create an instance in the Virtual Machine service:

  1. Go to the KakaoCloud Console > Beyond Compute Service > Virtual Machine menu.

  2. In the Instance menu, select the [Create instance] button.

  3. In the Create instance screen, enter the required information and select [Create]. Network access configuration may take up to 10 minutes, during which the server may be temporarily inaccessible.

    Create Instance

    ItemDescription
    ① Basic infoName: Name of the instance
    - Duplicate names allowed within the same project
    - When creating multiple instances, names are auto-filled based on the first instance
    ② ImageImage to use
    - Default tab: Official images provided by Kakao Enterprise
    - My images tab: Custom images created by the user (see Manage image)
    ③ Instance typeConditions for the instance
    - See Instance type specifications
    ④ VolumeVolume attached to the instance. The root volume is shown by default, and up to 9 additional volumes can be added.
    - Size: 1–5,120 GB
    - Type: SSD only
    - Max IOPS: Predefined by volume size (modification to be supported)

    Delete with instance: Option to delete the volume when the instance is deleted
    ⚠️ If not selected, the volume remains and incurs charges. To avoid charges, delete it from the volume list.
    ⑤ Key pairKey pair to apply to the instance
    - Select [Create key pair] to create and assign one (see Manage key pair)

    ⚠️ Private key files cannot be downloaded again. Store them securely.
    ⚠️ You cannot connect to the instance without a key pair.
    ⑥ NetworkVPC: The network for the instance

    Subnet: Choose a subnet within the network
    - If needed, create a new VPC and subnet via KakaoCloud Console > VPC
    - Public IPs can be assigned after creation. For details, see Associate public IP.

    Network interface: The primary network interface for the instance
    - Type: Choose new or existing
    - IP assignment: If new, auto-assigns an available IP from the subnet CIDR

    Security group: Security group to apply

    Inbound/Outbound rules
    - Inbound: Apply required ports based on image:
    ㄴ Linux: TCP 22
    ㄴ Windows: TCP 3389
    ㄴ Windows + MSSQL: TCP 3389, 1433
    - Outbound: Allow all protocols and ports by default
    ⑦ Advanced settingsUser script: A script that runs during first boot to configure the environment automatically
    - Provide a cloud-init script (max 16 KB) or upload a file
    - Stored in /var/lib/cloud/instances
    - View logs with:
    ㄴ Ubuntu: sudo cat /var/log/syslog or sudo journalctl -u cloud-final.service
    ㄴ CentOS: sudo cat /var/log/messages or sudo journalctl -u cloud-final.service

    ⚠️ Incorrect or incomplete scripts may cause boot failure.

    CPU multithreading: Optimize performance by limiting to one thread per core
    - Disable for workloads like HPC
info
  • From January 16, 2023, hostnames are auto-assigned using the primary network interface's private IP (e.g., host-100-100-17-22).
  • After instance creation, the hostname updates to the host-IP format during the networking phase.

Connect to instance​

To connect to an instance, metadata must be accessible. If the instance's security group does not include the "default security group," you must define outbound rules for metadata retrieval in a custom group. For details, see Custom security group.

Connect to Linux instance​

Connect to Linux instances using SSH. You can also find this via Virtual Machine > Instance > [More] > SSH connect. Ensure security groups allow access and that a public or private IP is assigned.

OSSecurity group ruleAllowed port
Linux
Inbound
TCP 22 (default)

SSH Connection SSH connection

Step 1. Prepare SSH client​

Install an SSH client in advance. Requirements vary by OS:

OSRequirements
Linux/macOSUse terminal after installing SSH client
WindowsInstall OpenSSH client (via cmd) or use PuTTY
Step 2. Connect via SSH​

Connect using the SSH command with the private key, username, and instance IP:

SSH connection command
ssh -i {PATH_TO_PRIVATE_KEY} {USERNAME}@{INSTANCE_IP}
ItemDescription
{PATH_TO_PRIVATE_KEY}Path to your SSH private key file
{USERNAME}Default username depending on image
{INSTANCE_IP}Public or private IP assigned to the instance

Connect to Windows instance​

To connect to a Windows instance, install the Windows App and allow TCP/3389 in the security group from the source IP of your PC.

Step 1. Prepare RDP client​

Install the Windows App. On macOS, download it from the App Store.

Operating systemPreparation
WindowsUse the built-in Remote Desktop Connection program or run the mstsc command
macOSInstall Windows App from the App Store
Step.2 Connect via RDP​

After checking the account information for RDP connection from the Kakao Cloud console, register the target Windows instance using that information.
Depending on your operating system (Windows or macOS), follow the appropriate instructions below to set up the remote connection.

  1. Go to the Kakao Cloud Console > Beyond Compute Service > Virtual Machine menu.

  2. In the Instances menu, click the [More] icon for the instance and select RDP Connection. Check the detailed connection information in the RDP connection popup.

    ItemDescription
    Public IPA public IP is required to connect to the Windows instance from your PC.
    - Assign a public IP via [More] icon > Assign Public IP.
    - Allow TCP/3389 in the security group's inbound rules.
    UsernameFixed as administrator
    PasswordClick [Register Key Pair] and upload the key pair file used during instance creation to retrieve the password.
    If connecting via internal network

    You can connect using a private IP via a Bastion server within the same VPC. First connect to the Bastion server, then run Windows App or mstsc from there to connect to the instance's private IP.

  3. Launch Windows App. In the left menu, select Devices, then click the [+] icon at the top right and choose Add PC. Based on the previously checked instance information, fill in the fields as follows. Other options can remain at their defaults.

    ItemDescription
    PC nameThe public IP address assigned to the Windows instance
    CredentialsClick Add Credentials, then enter the Username and Password from step 2

  4. In the Devices menu, check the Saved PCs in the main screen. The added instance will be listed, and you can double-click to connect to it.


Note
  • It may take a few minutes after instance creation for the initial password to become available.
  • You can only connect using the password retrieved via the original key pair. If you change the password later, you must manage it directly within the OS. The Kakao Cloud Console only shows the initial password.
  • Kakao Cloud Windows instances support WSL 1.
Caution

If there is another instance in the same VPC with the same hostname, certain network features may not work properly. Be cautious when renaming an instance or manually changing the hostname.