From 39ea3496a4a74d52f991cba1dd52993eee97b286 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Slavi Pantaleev Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2021 18:44:15 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 1/8] Downgrade/lock mautrix-facebook to pre-mobile times The `mobile` branch got merged to `master`, which ends up becoming `:latest`. It's a "rewrite" of the bridge's backend and only supports a Postgres database. We'd like to go back (well, forward) to `:latest`, but that will take a little longer, because: - we need to handle and document things for people still on SQLite (especially those with external Postgres, who are likely on SQLite for bridges) - I'd rather test the new builds (and migration) a bit before releasing it to others and possibly breaking their bridge Brave ones who are already using the bridge with Postgres can jump on `:latest` and report their experience. --- roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml index da9b1889..04a81c75 100644 --- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml +++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml @@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_facebook_container_image_self_build: false matrix_mautrix_facebook_container_image_self_build_repo: "https://github.com/tulir/mautrix-facebook.git" # See: https://mau.dev/tulir/mautrix-facebook/container_registry -matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix }}tulir/mautrix-facebook:latest" +matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix }}tulir/mautrix-facebook:da1b4ec596e334325a1589e70829dea46e73064b" matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix: "{{ 'localhost/' if matrix_mautrix_facebook_container_image_self_build else 'dock.mau.dev/' }}" matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_force_pull: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image.endswith(':latest') }}" From d51ea252193672cb81a41f968dfb77359cc980e8 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: pushytoxin Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2021 18:41:45 +0100 Subject: [PATCH 2/8] When validating LE certs, do not wait for a random time While administering we will occasionally invoke this script interactively with the "non-interactive" switch still there, yet still sit at the desk waiting for 300 seconds for this timer to run out. The systemd-timer already uses a 3h randomized delay for automatic renewals, which serves this purpose well. --- .../matrix-ssl-lets-encrypt-certificates-renew.j2 | 3 ++- 1 file changed, 2 insertions(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/roles/matrix-nginx-proxy/templates/usr-local-bin/matrix-ssl-lets-encrypt-certificates-renew.j2 b/roles/matrix-nginx-proxy/templates/usr-local-bin/matrix-ssl-lets-encrypt-certificates-renew.j2 index 40cab22a..bc45e85e 100644 --- a/roles/matrix-nginx-proxy/templates/usr-local-bin/matrix-ssl-lets-encrypt-certificates-renew.j2 +++ b/roles/matrix-nginx-proxy/templates/usr-local-bin/matrix-ssl-lets-encrypt-certificates-renew.j2 @@ -27,4 +27,5 @@ docker run \ --standalone \ --preferred-challenges http \ --agree-tos \ - --email={{ matrix_ssl_lets_encrypt_support_email }} + --email={{ matrix_ssl_lets_encrypt_support_email }} \ + --no-random-sleep-on-renew From 024a23ed1754a414c738022f664716ad7c9d2ba9 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Slavi Pantaleev Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:12:51 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 3/8] Upgrade mautrix-facebook to the new Postgres-only version I had intentionally held it back in 39ea3496a4a74d52 until: - it received more testing (there were a few bugs during the migration, but now it seems OK) - this migration guide was written --- CHANGELOG.md | 60 +++++++++++++++++++ group_vars/matrix_servers | 3 +- .../defaults/main.yml | 11 ++-- .../tasks/validate_config.yml | 21 +++++++ .../templates/config.yaml.j2 | 42 ++++++++++--- 5 files changed, 123 insertions(+), 14 deletions(-) diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md index 8452d2d7..7a592bba 100644 --- a/CHANGELOG.md +++ b/CHANGELOG.md @@ -1,3 +1,63 @@ +# 2021-01-20 + +## (Breaking Change) The mautrix-facebook bridge now requires a Postgres database + +A new version of the [mautrix-facebook](https://github.com/tulir/mautrix-facebook) bridge has been released. It's a full rewrite of its backend and the bridge now requires Postgres. New versions of the bridge can no longer run on SQLite. + +**TLDR**: if you're NOT using an [external Postgres server](docs/configuring-playbook-external-postgres.md) and have NOT forcefully kept the bridge on SQLite during [The big move to all-on-Postgres (potentially dangerous)](#the-big-move-to-all-on-postgres-potentially-dangerous), you will be automatically upgraded without manual intervention. All you need to do is send a `login` message to the Facebook bridge bot again. + +Whether this change requires your intervention depends mostly on: +- whether you're using an [external Postgres server](docs/configuring-playbook-external-postgres.md). If yes, then [you need to do something](#upgrade-path-for-people-running-an-external-postgres-server). +- or whether you've force-changed the bridge's database engine to SQLite (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite'` in your `vars.yml`) some time in the past (likely during [The big move to all-on-Postgres (potentially dangerous)](#the-big-move-to-all-on-postgres-potentially-dangerous)). + +As already mentioned above, you most likely don't need to do anything. If you rerun the playbook and don't get an error, you've been automatically upgraded. Just send a `login` message to the Facebook bridge bot again. Otherwise, read below for a solution. + +### Upgrade path for people NOT running an external Postgres server (default for the playbook) + +If you're **not running an external Postgres server**, then this bridge either already works Postgres for you, or you've intentionally kept it back on SQLite with custom configuration (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite'` in your `vars.yml`) . + +Simply remove that custom configuration from your `vars.yml` file (if it's there) and re-run the playbook. It should upgrade you automatically. +You'll need to send a `login` message to the Facebook bridge bot again. + +Alternatively, [you can stay on SQLite for a little longer](#staying-on-sqlite-for-a-little-longer-temporary-solution). + +### Upgrade path for people running an external Postgres server + +For people using the internal Postgres server (the default for the playbook): +- we automatically create an additional `matrix_mautrix_facebook` Postgres database and credentials to access it +- we automatically adjust the bridge's `matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_*` variables to point the bridge to that Postgres database +- we use [pgloader](https://pgloader.io/) to automatically import the existing SQLite data for the bridge into the `matrix_mautrix_facebook` Postgres database + +If you are using an [external Postgres server](docs/configuring-playbook-external-postgres.md), unfortunately we currently can't do any of that for you. + +You have 3 ways to proceed: + +- contribute to the playbook to make this possible (difficult) +- or, do the above "steps" manually: + - stop the bridge (`systemctl stop matrix-mautrix-facebook`) + - create a new `matrix_mautrix_facebook` Postgres database for it + - run pgloader manually (we run it with default settings for this bridge) + - adjust the `matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_*` database variables (credentials, etc.) + - switch the bridge to use Postgres (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'postgres'`) + - re-run the playbook (`--tags=setup-all,start`) and ensure the bridge works (`systemctl status matrix-mautrix-facebook` and `journalctl -fu matrix-mautrix-facebook`) + - send a `login` message to the Facebook bridge bot again +- or, [stay on SQLite for a little longer (temporary solution)](#staying-on-sqlite-for-a-little-longer-temporary-solution) + +### Staying on SQLite for a little longer (temporary solution) + +To keep using this bridge with SQLite for a little longer (**not recommended**), use the following configuration in your `vars.yml` file: + +```yaml +# Force-change the database engine to SQLite. +matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite' + +# Force-downgrade to the last bridge version which supported SQLite. +matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix }}tulir/mautrix-facebook:da1b4ec596e334325a1589e70829dea46e73064b" +``` + +If you do this, keep in mind that **you can't run this forever**. This SQLite-supporting bridge version is not getting any updates and will break sooner or later. The playbook will also drop support for SQLite at some point in the future. + + # 2021-01-17 ## matrix-corporal goes 2.0 diff --git a/group_vars/matrix_servers b/group_vars/matrix_servers index e5517084..4ec0e8e9 100755 --- a/group_vars/matrix_servers +++ b/group_vars/matrix_servers @@ -208,7 +208,8 @@ matrix_mautrix_facebook_login_shared_secret: "{{ matrix_synapse_ext_password_pro matrix_mautrix_facebook_bridge_presence: "{{ matrix_synapse_use_presence if matrix_synapse_enabled else true }}" -# Postgres is the default, except if not using `matrix_postgres` (internal postgres) +# We'd like to force-set people with external Postgres to SQLite, so the bridge role can complain +# and point them to a migration path. matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: "{{ 'postgres' if matrix_postgres_enabled else 'sqlite' }}" matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_password: "{{ matrix_synapse_macaroon_secret_key | password_hash('sha512', 'mau.fb.db') | to_uuid }}" diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml index 04a81c75..e99514e0 100644 --- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml +++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml @@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ matrix_mautrix_facebook_container_image_self_build: false matrix_mautrix_facebook_container_image_self_build_repo: "https://github.com/tulir/mautrix-facebook.git" # See: https://mau.dev/tulir/mautrix-facebook/container_registry -matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix }}tulir/mautrix-facebook:da1b4ec596e334325a1589e70829dea46e73064b" +matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix }}tulir/mautrix-facebook:latest" matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix: "{{ 'localhost/' if matrix_mautrix_facebook_container_image_self_build else 'dock.mau.dev/' }}" matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_force_pull: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image.endswith(':latest') }}" @@ -35,12 +35,15 @@ matrix_mautrix_facebook_homeserver_token: '' # Database-related configuration fields. # -# To use SQLite, stick to these defaults. +# To use SQLite: +# - change the engine (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite'`) +# - change to the last bridge version that supported SQLite: +# `matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image_name_prefix }}tulir/mautrix-facebook:da1b4ec596e334325a1589e70829dea46e73064b"` +# - plan your migration to Postgres, as this bridge does not support SQLite anymore (and neither will the playbook in the future). # # To use Postgres: -# - change the engine (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'postgres'`) # - adjust your database credentials via the `matrix_mautrix_facebook_postgres_*` variables -matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite' +matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'postgres' matrix_mautrix_facebook_sqlite_database_path_local: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_data_path }}/mautrix-facebook.db" matrix_mautrix_facebook_sqlite_database_path_in_container: "/data/mautrix-facebook.db" diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/tasks/validate_config.yml b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/tasks/validate_config.yml index dfbe072b..0879bad9 100644 --- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/tasks/validate_config.yml +++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/tasks/validate_config.yml @@ -8,3 +8,24 @@ with_items: - "matrix_mautrix_facebook_appservice_token" - "matrix_mautrix_facebook_homeserver_token" + +- block: + - name: Fail if on SQLite, unless on the last version supporting SQLite + fail: + msg: >- + You're trying to use the mautrix-facebook bridge with an SQLite database. + Going forward, this bridge only supports Postgres. + To learn more about this, see our changelog: https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md#breaking-change-the-mautrix-facebook-bridge-now-requires-a-postgres-database + when: "not matrix_mautrix_facebook_docker_image.endswith(':da1b4ec596e334325a1589e70829dea46e73064b')" + + - name: Inject warning if still on SQLite + set_fact: + matrix_playbook_runtime_results: | + {{ + matrix_playbook_runtime_results|default([]) + + + [ + "NOTE: Your mautrix-facebook bridge setup is still on SQLite. Your bridge is not getting any updates and will likely stop working at some point. To learn more about this, see our changelog: https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/blob/master/CHANGELOG.md#breaking-change-the-mautrix-facebook-bridge-now-requires-a-postgres-database" + ] + }} + when: "matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine == 'sqlite'" diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/templates/config.yaml.j2 b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/templates/config.yaml.j2 index 09287362..6fe3254d 100644 --- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/templates/config.yaml.j2 +++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-facebook/templates/config.yaml.j2 @@ -8,6 +8,10 @@ homeserver: # Whether or not to verify the SSL certificate of the homeserver. # Only applies if address starts with https:// verify_ssl: true + # Whether or not the homeserver supports asmux-specific endpoints, + # such as /_matrix/client/unstable/net.maunium.asmux/dms for atomically + # updating m.direct. + asmux: false # Application service host/registration related details # Changing these values requires regeneration of the registration. @@ -22,11 +26,7 @@ appservice: # Usually 1 is enough, but on high-traffic bridges you might need to increase this to avoid 413s max_body_size: 1 - # The full URI to the database. SQLite and Postgres are fully supported. - # Other DBMSes supported by SQLAlchemy may or may not work. - # Format examples: - # SQLite: sqlite:///filename.db - # Postgres: postgres://username:password@hostname/dbname + # The full URI to the database. Only Postgres is currently supported. database: {{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_appservice_database|to_json }} # Public part of web server for out-of-Matrix interaction with the bridge. @@ -38,6 +38,10 @@ appservice: # The base URL where the public-facing endpoints are available. The prefix is not added # implicitly. external: https://example.com/public + # Shared secret for integration managers such as mautrix-manager. + # If set to "generate", a random string will be generated on the next startup. + # If null, integration manager access to the API will not be possible. + shared_secret: generate # The unique ID of this appservice. id: facebook @@ -46,12 +50,17 @@ appservice: # Display name and avatar for bot. Set to "remove" to remove display name/avatar, leave empty # to leave display name/avatar as-is. bot_displayname: Facebook bridge bot - bot_avatar: mxc://maunium.net/ddtNPZSKMNqaUzqrHuWvUADv + bot_avatar: mxc://maunium.net/ygtkteZsXnGJLJHRchUwYWak # Authentication tokens for AS <-> HS communication. as_token: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_appservice_token }}" hs_token: "{{ matrix_mautrix_facebook_homeserver_token }}" +# Prometheus telemetry config. Requires prometheus-client to be installed. +metrics: + enabled: false + listen_port: 8000 + # Bridge config bridge: # Localpart template of MXIDs for Facebook users. @@ -76,6 +85,7 @@ bridge: # "own_nickname" (user-specific!) displayname_preference: - name + - first_name # The prefix for commands. Only required in non-management rooms. command_prefix: "!fb" @@ -120,6 +130,18 @@ bridge: # Default to encryption, force-enable encryption in all portals the bridge creates # This will cause the bridge bot to be in private chats for the encryption to work properly. default: false + # Options for automatic key sharing. + key_sharing: + # Enable key sharing? If enabled, key requests for rooms where users are in will be fulfilled. + # You must use a client that supports requesting keys from other users to use this feature. + allow: false + # Require the requesting device to have a valid cross-signing signature? + # This doesn't require that the bridge has verified the device, only that the user has verified it. + # Not yet implemented. + require_cross_signing: false + # Require devices to be verified by the bridge? + # Verification by the bridge is not yet implemented. + require_verification: true # Whether or not the bridge should send a read receipt from the bridge bot when a message has # been sent to Facebook. delivery_receipts: false @@ -161,6 +183,10 @@ bridge: # Whether or not the bridge should try to "refresh" the connection if a normal reconnection # attempt fails. refresh_on_reconnection_fail: false + # Set this to true to tell the bridge to re-send m.bridge events to all rooms on the next run. + # This field will automatically be changed back to false after it, + # except if the config file is not writable. + resend_bridge_info: false # Permissions for using the bridge. # Permitted values: @@ -192,9 +218,7 @@ logging: loggers: mau: level: DEBUG - fbchat: - level: DEBUG - hbmqtt: + paho: level: INFO aiohttp: level: INFO From f6861e3c659d0900aaa311421376e90558bfe580 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Slavi Pantaleev Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2021 10:19:39 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 4/8] Improve wording a bit --- CHANGELOG.md | 10 +++++----- 1 file changed, 5 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/CHANGELOG.md b/CHANGELOG.md index 7a592bba..02bc926f 100644 --- a/CHANGELOG.md +++ b/CHANGELOG.md @@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ As already mentioned above, you most likely don't need to do anything. If you re ### Upgrade path for people NOT running an external Postgres server (default for the playbook) -If you're **not running an external Postgres server**, then this bridge either already works Postgres for you, or you've intentionally kept it back on SQLite with custom configuration (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite'` in your `vars.yml`) . +If you're **not running an external Postgres server**, then this bridge either already works on Postgres for you, or you've intentionally kept it back on SQLite with custom configuration (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'sqlite'` in your `vars.yml`) . Simply remove that custom configuration from your `vars.yml` file (if it's there) and re-run the playbook. It should upgrade you automatically. You'll need to send a `login` message to the Facebook bridge bot again. @@ -33,12 +33,12 @@ If you are using an [external Postgres server](docs/configuring-playbook-externa You have 3 ways to proceed: - contribute to the playbook to make this possible (difficult) -- or, do the above "steps" manually: +- or, do the migration "steps" manually: - stop the bridge (`systemctl stop matrix-mautrix-facebook`) - create a new `matrix_mautrix_facebook` Postgres database for it - - run pgloader manually (we run it with default settings for this bridge) - - adjust the `matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_*` database variables (credentials, etc.) - - switch the bridge to use Postgres (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'postgres'`) + - run [pgloader](https://pgloader.io/) manually (we import this bridge's data using default settings and it works well) + - define `matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_*` variables in your `vars.yml` file (credentials, etc.) - you can find their defaults in `roles/matrix-mautrix-facebook/defaults/main.yml` + - switch the bridge to Postgres (`matrix_mautrix_facebook_database_engine: 'postgres'` in your `vars.yml` file) - re-run the playbook (`--tags=setup-all,start`) and ensure the bridge works (`systemctl status matrix-mautrix-facebook` and `journalctl -fu matrix-mautrix-facebook`) - send a `login` message to the Facebook bridge bot again - or, [stay on SQLite for a little longer (temporary solution)](#staying-on-sqlite-for-a-little-longer-temporary-solution) From a30ef0cc29ea466898b62726569fb4ffc16fde83 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: throwawayay Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2021 08:35:07 -0500 Subject: [PATCH 5/8] Update element-web (1.7.16 -> 1.7.17) --- roles/matrix-client-element/defaults/main.yml | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/roles/matrix-client-element/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-client-element/defaults/main.yml index d0297193..96116b1a 100644 --- a/roles/matrix-client-element/defaults/main.yml +++ b/roles/matrix-client-element/defaults/main.yml @@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ matrix_client_element_enabled: true matrix_client_element_container_image_self_build: false matrix_client_element_container_image_self_build_repo: "https://github.com/vector-im/riot-web.git" -matrix_client_element_docker_image: "{{ matrix_client_element_docker_image_name_prefix }}vectorim/element-web:v1.7.16" +matrix_client_element_docker_image: "{{ matrix_client_element_docker_image_name_prefix }}vectorim/element-web:v1.7.17" matrix_client_element_docker_image_name_prefix: "{{ 'localhost/' if matrix_client_element_container_image_self_build else 'docker.io/' }}" matrix_client_element_docker_image_force_pull: "{{ matrix_client_element_docker_image.endswith(':latest') }}" From fb28f59f8c6e1b022141afd124a36a2b3aa1709b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Slavi Pantaleev Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2021 12:39:03 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 6/8] Initial work on a FAQ document --- docs/README.md | 4 +- docs/faq.md | 357 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ docs/prerequisites.md | 4 +- 3 files changed, 363 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) create mode 100644 docs/faq.md diff --git a/docs/README.md b/docs/README.md index 8c95eff3..77c5099d 100644 --- a/docs/README.md +++ b/docs/README.md @@ -1,6 +1,8 @@ # Table of Contents -- [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) +- [FAQ](faq.md) - lots of questions and answers. Jump to [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) to avoid reading too much and to just start a guided installation. + +- [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) - go here to a guided installation using this Ansible playbook - [Configuring your DNS server](configuring-dns.md) diff --git a/docs/faq.md b/docs/faq.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b4cdac64 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/faq.md @@ -0,0 +1,357 @@ +# Frequently Asked Questions + +This documentation page tries to answer various Frequently Asked Questions about all things [Matrix](https://matrix.org/), with a focus on this [Ansible](https://www.ansible.com/) playbook ([What is Ansible? How does it work?](#what-is-ansible-how-does-it-work)). + +This FAQ page does not intend to replace the [matrix.org FAQ](https://matrix.org/faq/) (please see that one too). + +We've only started this FAQ recently, so it's still somewhat empty. + +Also, we encourage you to not dig yourself into a hole by reading way too much. When you've heard enough, proceed to [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) to get guided into installing Matrix. + + +## Introductory + +## Where do I find more questions and answers about Matrix? + +This is a Frequently Asked Questions page focused on this [Ansible](https://www.ansible.com/) playbook ([What is Ansible? How does it work?](#what-is-ansible-how-does-it-work)) for deploying a [Matrix](https://matrix.org/) server. + +For a lot more generic questions and answers, see the [matrix.org FAQ](https://matrix.org/faq/). + +## What is Matrix? What is Element? What is Synapse? Why are you confusing me with so many terms? + +[Matrix](https://matrix.org/) is a new type of realtime communication (chat) network, the closest analogy to which is probably "email". + +You don't just use the "email" protocols (SMTP, POP3, IMAP) directly though. There's a some *server* somewhere which stores your data (`@gmail.com`, `@yahoo.com`, `@hotmail.com`, `@your-company.com`) and you access using these "email" protocol using use some *client* program (Outlook, Thunderbird, some website, etc). + +In the world of the Matrix chat protocol, there are various client programs. The first and currently most full-featured one is called [Element](https://element.io/) (used to be called Riot.im and Vector.im in the past). There are [many other clients](https://matrix.org/clients/). You can switch clients as much as you want until you find the one that is right for you on a given platform (you may use Element on your desktop, but Fluffychat on your phone, etc). + +Matrix is also like email due to the fact that are many servers around the world which can all talk to each other (you can send email from `@gmail.com` addresses to `@yahoo.com` and `@hotmail.com` addresses). It's the same with Matrix (`@bob:his-domain.com` can talk to `@alice:her-domain.org`). + +If someone else is hosting your Matrix server (you being `@user:matrix.org` or some other public server like this), all you need is a Matrix client program, like Element. + +If you'd like to host your own server (you being `@user:your-own-domain.com`), you'd need to set up a Matrix server program, like Synapse. + +In short: + +- Matrix is the protocol - a set of rules about how the chat network operates +- Element is a client program you can use to participate on the Matrix chat network via some server (yours or someone else's). There are also [many other client programs](https://matrix.org/clients/). +- Synapse is a server program you can use to host your very own Matrix server. + +This FAQ here mostly focuses on installing Matrix services using the Ansible automation tool. You can learn much more about Matrix in the [matrix.org FAQ](https://matrix.org/faq/). + +## People I wish to talk to are not on Matrix. Can I talk to them? + +You most likely can. Besides Matrix-native chats, Matrix also supports this concept of "bridging", which allows you to plug other networks into it. + +This Ansible playbook can help you install [tens of bridges for various networks](configuring-playbook.md#bridging-other-networks). + +Besides setting up your own bridges (preferable), you can also use some [public bridges hosted by others](https://publiclist.anchel.nl/#bridges). + +## How do I get started with Matrix? + +One of [Matrix](https://matrix.org/)'s distinguishing strengths (compared to other chat networks) is its decentralized nature. There's not just one entity (company, organization) controlling the servers. Rather there's thousands of servers operated by different people - one server being insecure, slow or disrespective toward its users does not affect the rest of the network. To participate in that decentralization in its fullest, consider hosting your own server or using some public server other than the largest/default one (`matrix.org`). + +There are 3 ways to get into Martix, depending on your technical ability and needs: + +- **using the existing default server** - the easiest way is to use an existing server. The largest public Matrix server is `matrix.org` and it's configured as a default server in clients such as [Element](https://element.io) and many others. Just use Element on the browser via that link (or download the Element app on a smartphone), create an account and start chatting. + +- **using some other server** - instead of using the largest public server (`matrix.org`), you can use another public one. Here's a [list of public Matrix servers](https://publiclist.anchel.nl/) to choose from. Again, you download [Element](https://element.io) or [some other client](https://matrix.org/clients/) of your choosing and adjust the homeserver URL during login. + +- **using your own server** - running your own server puts you in ultimate control of your data. It also lets you have your own user identifiers (e.g. `@bob:your-domain.com`). See [How do I set up my own Matrix server](#how-do-i-set-up-my-own-matrix-server). + +### How do I set up my own Matrix server? + +Normally, you'd first choose the [Matrix](https://matrix.org/) server software you'd like to run. At the time of this writing (January/2021), there's only one fully-featured server program, so there's only one reasonable choice. That's [Synapse](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse). + +There are [many guides about installing Synapse](https://matrix.org/docs/guides/#installing-synapse). Using this Ansible playbook is just one way of doing it. + +Naturally, we're biased, so our usual recommendation is to go with this [Ansible](https://www.ansible.com/) playbook, instead of installing Synapse (and many many other things around it) manually. +To get started with the playbook, start at the [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) page. + +### What is Ansible? How does it work? + +[Ansible](https://www.ansible.com/) is an automation program. This "playbook" is a collection of tasks/scripts that will set up a [Matrix](https://matrix.org/) server for you, so you don't have to perform these tasks manually. + +We have written these automated tasks for you and all you need to do is execute them using the Ansible program. + +You can install Ansible and this playbook code repository on your own computer and tell it to install Matrix services at the server living at `matrix.DOMAIN`. We recommend installing Ansible on your own computer. + +Alternatively, you can download Ansible and the playbook itself directly on the `matrix.DOMAIN` server. + +To learn more, see our [dedicated Ansible documentation page](ansible.md). + +### Why use this playbook and not install Synapse and other things manually? + +There's various guides telling you how easy it is to install [Synapse](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse). + +Reading this Ansible playbook's documentation, you may also be thinking: + +> I don't know what [Ansible](https://www.ansible.com/) is. I don't know what [Docker](https://www.docker.com/) is. This looks more complicated. + +.. so you may be leaning toward [installing Synapse manually](https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/blob/master/INSTALL.md). + +The problem with a manual installation is: + +- Synapse is written in Python. If not packaged for your distribution, you'd need to install various Python modules, etc., and keep them updated. +- Synapse requires a [Postgres](https://www.postgresql.org/) database (it can run on SQLite, but that's very much discouraged). So you'd need to install Postgres as well. +- you may also need a reverse-proxy server in front of it (nginx, Apache), so you'd need to be familiar with that +- SSL is required, so you'd need to obtain Let's Encrypt (or other free or non-free) certificates for one or more domain names. You'd need to be familiar with [certbot](https://certbot.eff.org/) (when using Let's Encrypt) or similar software. +- for each additional component you'd like to add (client like [Element](https://element.io), bridge to some other chat network, Integration Manager (sitckers, other services), Identity Manager, etc.), you'll need to spend extra time installing and wiring it with the rest of the system in a way that works. +- you'll likely get slower updates for all of these components, depending on your distro packaging or your own time and ability + +The playbook, on the other hand, installs a bunch of components for you by default, obtains SSL certificates for you, etc. If you'd like, you can enable various bridges and other services with very little effort. All the components are wired to work together. + +All services run in Docker containers (most being officially provided by each component's developers), so we're not at the mercy of distro packaging. + +### Why use this playbook and not just use the Docker image directly? + +Reasons are similar to the reasons for not installing manually. + +Besides Synapse, you'd need other things - a Postgres database, likely the [Element](https://element.io) client, etc., etc. + +Using the playbook, you get all these components in a way that works well together out of the box. + + +## Server-related + +### What kind of server do I need to install Matrix using this Ansible playbook? + +We list our server requirements in [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md). + +### Why not run Matrix on Kubernetes? + +There's no reason not to run Matrix on [Kubernetes](https://kubernetes.io/). + +However, that's overly complicated for thousands of us who just want to run a single small (and sometimes not so small) Matrix server, either using "cloud" servers or even a [Raspberry Pi](https://www.raspberrypi.org/) at home. + +For us, a Kubernetes-based setup which requires a cluster of multiple computers and is more technically-involved is a no-go. + +There are others working on automating a Matrix-on-Kubernetes setup, such as this [Helm](https://helm.sh/) chart: https://github.com/dacruz21/matrix-chart. + +### Why don't you use Podman instead of Docker? + +We like the philosophy of a daemonless container runtime, but [Podman](https://podman.io) is just not ready for our use case yet. + +Learn more about our past experiences/attempts to give Podman a chance, by reading [this issue](https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/issues/520). + +In short, `alias podman=docker` is a lie (for us). + +### Why use Docker? + +[Docker](https://www.docker.com/) is one of our 2 hard dependencies (the other one being [systemd](https://systemd.io/)). + +It lets us run services in an isolated manner and independently of the (usually old) packages available for distributions. + +It also lets us have a unified setup which runs the same across various supported distros (see them on [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md)). + +### Is Docker a hard requirement? + +Yes. See [Why don't you use Podman instead of Docker?](#is-docker-a-hard-requirement) for why we're not using another container runtime. + +All of our services run in containers. It's how we achieve predictability and also how we support tens of different services across lots of distros. + +The only thing we need on the distro is systemd and Python (we install Docker ourselves, unless you ask us not to). + +### Why don't you use docker-compose? + +Instead of using [docker-compose](https://docs.docker.com/compose/), we prefer installing systemd services and scheduling those independently. + +There are people who have worked on turning this setup into a docker-compose-based one. See these experiments [here](https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/issues/64#issuecomment-603164625). + +### Can I run this on a distro without systemd? + +No. [systemd](https://systemd.io/) is one of our 2 hard dependencies (the other one being [Docker](https://www.docker.com/)). + +### Can I install this on a Raspberry Pi? + +Yes, you can. See our [Alternative Architectures](alternative-architectures.md) documentation page. + +Whether a Raspberry Pi has enough power to give you a good experience is another question. It depends on your use case. + +Also see: [What kind of server specs do I need?](#what-kind-of-server-specs-do-i-need). + +### What kind of server specs do I need? + +This largely depends on your use case. It's not so much the number of users that you plan to host, but rather the number of large rooms they will join. + +Federated rooms with lots of history and containing hundreds of other servers are very heavy CPU-wise and memory-wise. + +You can probably use a 1 CPU + 1GB memory server to host hundreds of local users just fine, but as soon as of them joins a federated room like `#matrix:matrix.org` (Matrix HQ) or some IRC-bridged room (say `##linux`), your server will get the need for a lot more power (at least 2GB RAM, etc). + +Running Matrix on a server with 1GB of memory is possible (especially if you disable some not-so-important services). See [How do I optimize this setup for a low-power server?](#how-do-i-optimize-this-setup-for-a-low-power-server). + +**We recommend starting with a server having at least 2GB of memory** and even then using it sparingly. If you know for sure you'll be joining various large rooms, etc., then going for 4GB of memory or more is a good idea. + +Besides the regular Matrix stuff, we also support things like video-conferencing using [Jitsi](configuring-playbook-jitsi.md) and other additional services which (when installed) may use up a lot of memory. Things do add up. Besides the Synapse Matrix server, Jitsi is especially notorious for consuming a lot of resources. If you plan on running Jitsi, we recommend a server with at least 2GB of memory (preferrably more). See our [Jitsi documentation page](configuring-playbook-jitsi.md) to learn how to optimize its memory/CPU usage. + +### Can I run this in an LXC container? + +If your distro runs within an [LXC container](https://linuxcontainers.org/), you may hit [this issue](https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/issues/703). It can be worked around, if absolutely necessary, but we suggest that you avoid running from within an LXC container. + + +## Configuration + +### Why install my server at matrix.DOMAIN and not at the base DOMAIN? + +It's the same with email servers. Your email address is likely `name@company.com`, not `name@mail.company.com`, even though it's really `mail.company.com` that is really handling your data for `@company.com` email to work. + +Using a separate domain name is easier to manage (although it's a little hard to get right at first) and keeps your Matrix server isolated from your website (if you have one), from your email server (if you have one), etc. + +We allow `matrix.DOMAIN` to be the Matrix server handling Matrix stuff for `DOMAIN` by [Server Delegation](howto-server-delegation.md). During the installation procedure, we recommend that you set up server delegation using the [.well-known](configuring-well-known.md) method. + +If you'd really like to install Matrix services directly on the base domain, see [How do I install on matrix.DOMAIN without involving the base DOMAIN?](#how-do-i-install-on-matrixdomain-without-involving-the-base-domain). + +### I don't control anything on the base domain and can't set up delegation to matrix.DOMAIN. What do I do? + +If you're not in control of your base domain (or server handling it) at all, you can take a look at [How do I install on matrix.DOMAIN without involving the base DOMAIN?](#how-do-i-install-on-matrixdomain-without-involving-the-base-domain) + +### I can't set up HTTPS on the base domain. How will I get Matrix federating? + +If you really can't obtain an HTTPS certificate for your base domain, you can take a look at [How do I install on matrix.DOMAIN without involving the base DOMAIN?](#how-do-i-install-on-matrixdomain-without-involving-the-base-domain) + +### How do I install on matrix.DOMAIN without involving the base DOMAIN? + +This Ansible playbook guides you into installing a server for `DOMAIN` (user identifiers are like this: `@user:DOMAIN`), while the server is at `matrix.DOMAIN`. + +We allow `matrix.DOMAIN` to be the Matrix server handling Matrix stuff for `DOMAIN` by [Server Delegation](howto-server-delegation.md). During the installation procedure, we recommend that you set up server delegation using the [.well-known](configuring-well-known.md) method. + +If you're fine with uglier identifiers (`@user:matrix.DOMAIN`, which is the equivalent of having an email address like `bob@mail.company.com`, instead of just `bob@company.com`), you can do that as well using the following configuration in your `vars.yml` file: + +```yaml +# This is what your identifiers are like (e.g. `@bob:matrix.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN`). +matrix_domain: "matrix.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN" + +# This is where Matrix services +matrix_server_fqn_matrix: "matrix.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN" + +# This is where you access the Element web UI from (if enabled via `matrix_client_element_enabled: true`; enabled by default). +# This and the Matrix FQN (see above) are expected to be on the same server. +# +# Feel free to use `element.matrix.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN`, if you'd prefer that. +matrix_server_fqn_element: "element.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN" + +# This is where you access Dimension (if enabled via `matrix_dimension_enabled: true`; NOT enabled by default). +# +# Feel free to use `dimension.matrix.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN`, if you'd prefer that. +matrix_server_fqn_dimension: "dimension.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN" + +# This is where you access Jitsi (if enabled via `matrix_jitsi_enabled: true`; NOT enabled by default). +# +# Feel free to use `jitsi.matrix.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN`, if you'd prefer that. +matrix_server_fqn_jitsi: "jitsi.YOUR_BASE_DOMAIN" +``` + +### I don't use the base domain for anything. How am I supposed to set up Server Delegation for Matrix services? + +If you don't use your base domain for anything, then it's hard for you to "serve files over HTTPS" on it -- something we ask you to do for the [.well-known](configuring-well-known.md) setup (needed for [Server Delegation](howto-server-delegation.md)). + +Luckily, the playbook can set up your Matrix server (at `matrix.DOMAIN`) to also handle traffic for the base domain (`DOMAIN`). + +See [Serving the base domain](configuring-playbook-base-domain-serving.md). + +### How do I optimize this setup for a low-power server? + +You can disable some not-so-important services to save on memory. + +```yaml +# An identity server is not a must. +matrix_ma1sd_enabled: false + +# Disabling this will prevent email-notifications and other such things from working. +matrix_mailer_enabled: false + +# You can also disable this to save more RAM, +# at the expense of audio/video calls being unreliable. +matrix_coturn_enabled: true + +# This makes Synapse not keep track of who is online/offline. +# +# Keeping track of this and announcing such online-status in federated rooms with +# hundreds of servers inside is insanely heavy (https://github.com/matrix-org/synapse/issues/3971). +# +# If your server does not federate with hundreds of others, enabling this doesn't hurt much. +matrix_synapse_use_presence: false +``` + +You can also consider implementing a restriction on room complexity, in order to prevent users from joining very heavy rooms: + +```yaml +matrix_synapse_configuration_extension_yaml: | + limit_remote_rooms: + enabled: true + complexity: 1.0 # this limits joining complex (~large) rooms, can be + # increased, but larger values can require more RAM +``` + +If you've installed [Jitsi](configuring-playbook-jitsi.md) (not installed by default), there are additional optimizations listed on its documentation page that you can perform. + +### I already have Docker on my server. Can you stop installing Docker via the playbook? + +Yes, we can stop installing Docker ourselves. Just use this in your `vars.yml` file: + +```yaml +matrix_docker_installation_enabled: true +``` + +### I run another webserver on the same server where I wish to install Matrix. What now? + +By default, we install a webserver for you (nginx), but you can also use [your own webserver](configuring-playbook-own-webserver.md). + + +## Installation + +### How do I run the installation? + +See [Installing](installing.md) to learn how to use Ansible to install Matrix services. + +Of course, don't just jump straight to Installing. Rather, start at [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) and get guided from there (into [setting up DNS](configuring-dns.md), [configuring the playbook](configuring-playbook.md), etc). + +### I installed Synapse some other way. Can I migrate such a setup to the playbook? + +Yes, you can. + +You generally need to do a playbook installation (start at the [Prerequisites](prerequisites.md) page), followed by importing your existing data into it. + +This Ansible playbook guides you into installing a server for `DOMAIN` (user identifiers are like this: `@user:DOMAIN`), while the server is at `matrix.DOMAIN`. If your existing setup has a server name (`server_name` configuration setting in Synapse's `homeserver.yaml` file) other than the base `DOMAIN`, you may need to tweak some additional variables. This FAQ entry may be of use if you're dealing with a more complicated setup - [How do I install on matrix.DOMAIN without involving the base DOMAIN?](#how-do-i-install-on-matrixdomain-without-involving-the-base-domain) + +After configuring the playbook and installing and **before starting** services (done with `ansible-playbook ... --tags=start`) you'd import [your SQLite](importing-synapse-sqlite.md) (or [Postgres](importing-postgres.md)) database and also [import your media store](importing-synapse-media-store.md). + +### I've downloaded Ansible and the playbook on the server. It can't connect using SSH. + +If you're using the playbook directly on the server, then Ansible doesn't need to connect using SSH. + +It can perform a local connection instead. Just set `ansible_connection=local` at the end of the server line in `inventory/hosts` and re-run the playbook. + +If you're running Ansible from within a container (one of the possibilities we list on our [dedicated Ansible documentation page](ansible.md)), then using `ansible_connection=local` is not possible. + + +## Maintenance + +### Do I need to do anything to keep my Matrix server updated? + +Yes. We don't update anything for you automatically. + +See our [documentation page about upgrading services](maintenance-upgrading-services.md). + +### How do I move my existing installation to another (VM) server? + +If you have an existing installation done using this Ansible playbook, you can easily migrate that to another server using [our dedicated server migration guide](maintenance-migrating.md). + +If your previous installation is done in some other way (not using this Ansible playbook), see [I installed Synapse some other way. Can I migrate such a setup to the playbook?](#i-installed-synapse-some-other-way-can-i-migrate-such-a-setup-to-the-playbook). + +### How do I back up the data on my server? + +We haven't document this properly yet, but the general advice is to: + +- back up Postgres by making a database dump. See [Backing up PostgreSQL](maintenance-postgres.md#backing-up-postgresql) + +- back up all `/matrix` files, except for `/matrix/postgres/data` (you already have a dump) and `/matrix/postgres/data-auto-upgrade-backup` (this directory may exist and contain your old data if you've [performed a major Postgres upgrade](maintenance-postgres.md#upgrading-postgresql)). + +You can later restore these roughly like this: + +- restore the `/matrix` directory and files on the new server manually +- run the playbook again (see [Installing](installing.md)), but **don't** start services yet (**don't run** `... --tags=start`). This step will fix any file permission mismatches and will also set up additional software (Docker, etc.) and files on the server (systemd service, etc.). +- perform a Postgres database import (see [Importing Postgres](importing-postgres.md)) to restore your database backup +- start services (see [Starting the services](installing.md#starting-the-services)) + +If your server's IP address has changed, you may need to [set up DNS](configuring-dns.md) again. diff --git a/docs/prerequisites.md b/docs/prerequisites.md index ae9a992f..28afeb94 100644 --- a/docs/prerequisites.md +++ b/docs/prerequisites.md @@ -1,6 +1,8 @@ # Prerequisites -- An **x86** server running one of these operating systems: +To install Matrix services using this Ansible playbook, you need: + +- (Recommended) An **x86** server running one of these operating systems: - **CentOS** (7 only for now; [8 is not yet supported](https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/issues/300)) - **Debian** (9/Stretch+) - **Ubuntu** (16.04+, although [20.04 may be problematic](ansible.md#supported-ansible-versions)) From 3b5907d83d47b7c948f22d0f2bcbd6ba79a43fc5 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Slavi Pantaleev Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2021 13:01:20 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 7/8] Update FAQ with details about /matrix/postgres/data-auto-upgrade-backup --- docs/faq.md | 6 ++++++ 1 file changed, 6 insertions(+) diff --git a/docs/faq.md b/docs/faq.md index b4cdac64..6f5123bf 100644 --- a/docs/faq.md +++ b/docs/faq.md @@ -355,3 +355,9 @@ You can later restore these roughly like this: - start services (see [Starting the services](installing.md#starting-the-services)) If your server's IP address has changed, you may need to [set up DNS](configuring-dns.md) again. + +### What is this `/matrix/postgres/data-auto-upgrade-backup` directory that is taking up so much space? + +When you [perform a major Postgres upgrade](maintenance-postgres.md#upgrading-postgresql), we save the the old data files in `/matrix/postgres/data-auto-upgrade-backup`, just so you could easily restore them should something have gone wrong. + +After verifying that everything still works after the Postgres upgrade, you can safely delete `/matrix/postgres/data-auto-upgrade-backup` From a47813585d033eac83dda764bb96cc177e936b4c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Slavi Pantaleev Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2021 19:24:05 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 8/8] Rename file to prevent common mistake Prompted by this: https://github.com/spantaleev/matrix-docker-ansible-deploy/issues/779#issuecomment-764807507 --- docs/configuring-playbook.md | 2 +- examples/{host-vars.yml => vars.yml} | 0 2 files changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) rename examples/{host-vars.yml => vars.yml} (100%) diff --git a/docs/configuring-playbook.md b/docs/configuring-playbook.md index 3bb28c3f..11b801a7 100644 --- a/docs/configuring-playbook.md +++ b/docs/configuring-playbook.md @@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ You can then follow these steps inside the playbook directory: - create a directory to hold your configuration (`mkdir inventory/host_vars/matrix.`) -- copy the sample configuration file (`cp examples/host-vars.yml inventory/host_vars/matrix./vars.yml`) +- copy the sample configuration file (`cp examples/vars.yml inventory/host_vars/matrix./vars.yml`) - edit the configuration file (`inventory/host_vars/matrix./vars.yml`) to your liking. You may also take a look at the various `roles/ROLE_NAME_HERE/defaults/main.yml` files and see if there's something you'd like to copy over and override in your `vars.yml` configuration file. diff --git a/examples/host-vars.yml b/examples/vars.yml similarity index 100% rename from examples/host-vars.yml rename to examples/vars.yml