Headless Linux Server Setup

Run the Fabric Agent on servers without a display

Overview

For headless servers (no monitor, keyboard, or GUI), Fabric provides device code authentication. This lets you authenticate from any device with a browser.

Detailed setup instructions are available in your dashboard after you log in.

Requirements

  • Linux server (x86_64 or aarch64)
  • SSH access
  • Outbound HTTPS access (port 443)
  • Fabric account

Getting Started

Log in to your dashboard at fabric.carmel.so

Go to the Devices section

Click "Add Linux Device"

Follow the step-by-step instructions provided

The dashboard provides the download link and authentication steps specific to your account.

Device Code Authentication

When running on a headless server, the agent uses device code authentication:

  1. Start the agent on your server
  2. A device code is displayed in the terminal
  3. Open fabric.carmel.so/device on any browser
  4. Enter the code and sign in
  5. Your server is enrolled and ready

Running as a Service

For 24/7 operation, the dashboard provides instructions for setting up systemd services. This ensures your node:

  • Starts automatically on boot
  • Restarts if it crashes
  • Runs continuously in the background

Checking Status

Service status:

sudo systemctl status fabric-agent

View logs:

tail -f ~/.fabric/logs/daemon.log

GPU Support

For NVIDIA GPU workloads:

  • Install NVIDIA drivers
  • Verify with nvidia-smi
  • The agent auto-detects CUDA GPUs

Troubleshooting

Device code not appearing:

  • Ensure the agent is running
  • Check logs for errors
  • Verify network connectivity

Authentication timing out:

  • Complete authentication within 15 minutes
  • Code expires after timeout
  • Restart agent for a new code

Service not starting:

  • Check the dashboard for troubleshooting steps
  • Verify your paths are correct
  • Check logs: journalctl -u fabric-agent -n 100