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Adding a New Remote Device

This guide walks you through adding a remote device to Pluton PRO and installing the agent to enable backups.

Prerequisites​

Before adding a remote device:

  • Active Pluton PRO license with available device slots
  • Network connectivity between Pluton server and remote device
  • For auto-install: SSH access to the remote device with sudo/administrator privileges
  • Remote device must be able to reach the Pluton server on MQTT port (default: 1884)

Step 1: Add Device in Pluton UI​

  1. Navigate to Devices Page:

    • Click "Devices" in the main navigation menu

  2. Click "Add Device" Button:

    • Located in the top-right corner of the Devices page

  3. Configure Device Settings:

    • Device Name: Enter a descriptive name (e.g., "Production Server", "Database VM")
    • Device Type: Select the appropriate type:
      • Device: Standard computer or server
      • Virtual Machine: VM instance
      • VM Host: Virtualization host server
      • Database: Database server
    • Host or IP Address (optional but recommended):
      • Enter the hostname or public IP address
      • Used for browsing files and downloading from remote source
      • Example: 192.168.1.100 or server.example.com
    • Port Number (optional):
      • Specify custom port if needed
      • Used for remote file access
      • Example: 9988
    • Tags (optional): Add tags for organization

  4. Click "Create Device":

    • Device is created and appears in the devices list
    • Status shows as "Offline" until agent is installed

Step 2: Install Agent on Remote Device​

After creating the device, you must install the Pluton agent on the remote machine. There are two installation methods:

Pluton can install the agent automatically via SSH:

  1. Open the Device:

    • Click on the newly created device in the list

  2. Click "Install Agent" Button:

    • Located in the device details header

  3. Select "Auto Install" Tab:

    • This tab is selected by default

  4. Enter SSH Credentials:

    • Host: Pre-filled with device hostname/IP (or enter manually)
    • Port: SSH port (default: 22)
    • Username: SSH username with sudo privileges
    • Authentication Method: Choose Password or Private Key
      • Password: Enter SSH password
      • Private Key: Paste SSH private key (and passphrase if required)

  5. Click "Connect & Install":

    • Pluton connects to the remote device via SSH
    • Agent installation begins automatically
    • Real-time installation logs appear in the output window
    • Wait for "Installation Complete" success message

  6. Agent Connects Automatically:

    • Once installed, agent connects to Pluton server via MQTT
    • Device status changes from "Offline" to "Online"

Method B: Manual Install​

For systems without SSH access or when you prefer manual installation:

  1. Open the Device:

    • Click on the newly created device

  2. Click "Install Agent" Button

  3. Select "Manual Install" Tab

  4. Choose Operating System:

    • Select Linux, macOS, or Windows tab

  5. Copy Installation Command:

    • Command is automatically generated for the selected OS
    • Contains device-specific agent ID and broker URL

  6. Run Command on Remote Device:

    • Linux/macOS: Open terminal with sudo access, paste and run command
    • Windows: Open PowerShell as Administrator, paste and run command
    • Agent downloads and installs automatically

  7. Verify Installation:

    • Return to Pluton UI
    • Click "Verify Agent Installation" button
    • Pluton checks if agent connected successfully
    • Device status updates to "Online" if successful

Next Steps​

Once your device is online:

Troubleshooting​

Device Shows "Offline" After Installation​

  • Check Network Connectivity: Ensure remote device can reach Pluton server on MQTT port (1884)
  • Verify Agent is Running: Check if agent service is active on remote device
  • Check Firewall: Ensure firewall allows outbound connections to Pluton server
  • Review Agent Logs: Check agent logs on remote device for connection errors

Auto-Install Fails with SSH Error​

  • Verify SSH Credentials: Ensure username/password or private key is correct
  • Check SSH Access: Confirm SSH is enabled on remote device
  • Verify Sudo Privileges: User must have sudo/administrator rights
  • Check Network: Ensure Pluton server can reach remote device via SSH

Manual Install Command Fails​

  • Run with Elevated Privileges: Use sudo (Linux/macOS) or Administrator (Windows)
  • Check Internet Access: Remote device must reach download server
  • Verify Command: Ensure entire command was copied correctly
  • Review Error Messages: Installation script provides specific error details

Device Limit Reached​

  • Check License: View available device slots in Settings → License
  • Remove Unused Devices: Delete devices you no longer need
  • Upgrade License: Purchase additional device slots if needed

Successfully adding remote devices is the first step to centralized backup management across your infrastructure.