How to use the command 'cockpit-ws' (with examples)

The cockpit-ws command is a powerful tool within the Cockpit project, which serves as a web-based interface for Linux server management. This command specifically enables communication between a browser application and various server configuration tools like cockpit-bridge. Its versatility allows for secure remote management, and configuration of system services all through a modern web interface. Below, we explore several use cases demonstrating how this command can be utilized effectively.

Use case 1: Start with authentication via SSH at 127.0.0.1 with port 22 enabled

Code:

cockpit-ws --local-ssh

Motivation:

Using SSH for authentication allows administrators to securely connect to their servers over the network. When managing servers locally (using 127.0.0.1) or over a secured channel, SSH ensures that communications remain safe from eavesdropping or tampering.

Explanation:

• cockpit-ws: Launches the Cockpit web service.
• --local-ssh: Configures the service to use SSH for authentication on 127.0.0.1 with port 22, which is the standard SSH port. This ensures the communication pathway is encrypted, adding a layer of security to the local management process.

Example output:

Upon execution, the service should respond with confirmation messages indicating successful startup and readiness to accept SSH authenticated connections.

Use case 2: Start an HTTP server on a specific port

Code:

cockpit-ws --port 9090

Motivation:

Running a server on a specific port can be crucial for avoiding conflicts with other services and for firewall management. Administrators can choose ports that are open or designated for particular tasks within an organization’s policies.

Explanation:

• cockpit-ws: Initiates the Cockpit web service.
• --port 9090: This argument specifies that the service should listen on port 9090 for incoming connection requests. This flexibility allows system administrators to integrate Cockpit into their network’s existing architecture without disrupting other services.

Example output:

The command will produce output verifying that Cockpit is serving on port 9090. This confirmation aids in validating correct setup directions for users and associated management scripts.

Use case 3: Start and bind to a specific IP address

Code:

cockpit-ws --address 192.168.1.10

Motivation:

Binding a server to a specific IP address ensures that it only listens for connections from that particular interface. This is particularly useful in environments with multiple network interfaces where services should only be accessible via specific networks.

Explanation:

• cockpit-ws: Activates the Cockpit web interface service.
• --address 192.168.1.10: This flag directs the service to bind exclusively to the IP 192.168.1.10. Binding to a specific IP helps administrators manage network traffic and enforce network segmentation policies.

Example output:

Successful execution results in messages indicating that Cockpit is now running and specifically bound to 192.168.1.10, confirming that access is limited to requests on this address.

Use case 4: Start without TLS

Code:

cockpit-ws --no-tls

Motivation:

Disabling TLS can be necessary for debugging purposes or within environments where traffic is already encapsulated in other secure layers, thus rendering TLS redundant. This might be useful in a controlled development environment where security layers are controlled and monitored.

Explanation:

• cockpit-ws: Initiates the Cockpit service.
• --no-tls: Prevents the service from establishing secure TLS connections. This argument is critical to understand due to the implications for security; it should only be used in secure, trusted environments to avoid exposing sensitive data in transit.

Example output:

Executing this command will show that Cockpit is serving web pages without TLS encryption. User warnings are typically issued to emphasize that connections are not secured, making it crucial to only use in appropriate contexts.

Use case 5: Display help

Code:

cockpit-ws --help

Motivation:

Accessing help documentation directly from the command line is essential for users new to the tool or when needing a quick refresher on command usage or options. It provides fast insight without searching through external documentation.

Explanation:

• cockpit-ws: Calls the Cockpit service command.
• --help: This argument triggers the display of help information, including descriptions of available flags and their purposes. This is invaluable for troubleshooting or learning the command’s capabilities and options.

Example output:

The resulting output is a comprehensive list of command options and descriptions, assisting users in effectively utilizing cockpit-ws with accurate, in-line documentation.

Conclusion:

The cockpit-ws command offers several flexible options for configuring secure and efficient web-based server management. By understanding these use cases and their specific applications, system administrators can optimize their use of Cockpit to better fit their network environments and organizational needs. Whether operating in local or complex network topographies, cockpit-ws provides a robust interface for managing Linux systems.