R4.0 Release Notes¶
ISO image¶
The pre-built ISO and Docker images for StarlingX release 4.0 are located at the StarlingX mirror.
Branch¶
The source code for StarlingX release 4.0 is available in the r/stx.4.0 branch in the StarlingX repositories.
Deployment¶
A system install is required to deploy StarlingX release 4.0. There is no upgrade path from previous StarlingX releases. For detailed instructions, see the R4.0 Installation Guides.
New features and enhancements¶
The list below provides a detailed list of new features and links to the associated user guides (if applicable).
Intel FPGA support for Kubernetes
The Intel N3000 FPGA Programmable Acceleration Card is now supported in StarlingX, including support for orchestrating updates to the card’s firmware.
Guide: Host FPGA Configuration for the Intel N3000 FPGA Programmable Acceleration Card
Kata Containers
Workloads can now be deployed in Kata Containers by StarlingX, which provides a higher degree of isolation than workloads in generic containers.
Guide: How to run Kata Containers with Kubernetes on StarlingX
Active Directory Integration for Kubernetes APIs
StarlingX administrators can now deploy an optional system application to support using Windows Active Directory for authentication of the Kubernetes API.
Guide: Authenticate Kubernetes Users with Windows Active Directory Server
Certificate Manager Integration
StarlingX now provides a Certification Manager to enable automated certificate issuance, monitor certificate expiration dates, and configure an auto-renew process.
Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) in Kata Containers
Time-Sensitive Networking has been enabled for workloads running in Kata Containers.
Upversion OpenStack services
The built-in OpenStack services, including Keystone, Horizon, Barbican, and others, have been updated to Train. For more details, consult the OpenStack documentation for Train.
Upversion OpenStack application
The built-in OpenStack application has been updated to Ussuri. For more details, consult the OpenStack documentation for Ussuri.
Kubernetes support in backup and restore functionality
Back up and restore is now available for workloads running in Kubernetes pods.
Kubernetes manual upgrade capability
StarlingX now has the capability of updating the Kubernetes images installed on the platform.
Redfish virtual media support
StarlingX now supports the Redfish Virtual Media Controller to support a secure BMC based ISO image boot.
Kernel rebase to 4.18
The Linux kernel used by StarlingX has been upgraded to version 4.18 as provided in CentOS 8.
Upversion Kubernetes components
Kubernetes was upversioned to v1.18.1, Calico was upversioned to v3.12, and Helm was upversioned to v3.
Layered build
StarlingX builds have been monolithic and time consuming. The new Layered build system decomposes the system into separate layers that can be built independently. Both Layered and Monolithic builds are supported in this release.
Guides: Layered build reference (overview) and Layered build guide (step by step instructions)
Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) support
OPC UA is a data exchange standard for industrial communication in the Industrial IoT (IIoT) category. StarlingX now supports OPC UA.
Bug status¶
Fixed bugs¶
This release provides fixes for a number of defects. Refer to the StarlingX bug database to review the R4.0 fixed defects.
Open bugs¶
Use the StarlingX bug database to review R4.0 open bugs.
At the time of release, the following R4.0 bugs were open:
Known limitations¶
The following are known limitations in this release. Workarounds are suggested where applicable. Note that these limitations are considered temporary and will likely be resolved in a future release.
1887589 Creating a new instance with Horizon fails.
