Register Devices at Scale

There are a few ways to register a whole fleet of devices. This page provides an overview and describes two simple methods.

Once you understand the possibilities, you can choose the procedure that is right for you.

Connect Device Registration Algorithm

By design, JFrog Connect is able to register new devices by duplicating an image that has the Connect Agent installed inside it. When a new device is connected to the Internet, the device registration algorithm is initiated. The algorithm recognizes new devices if they do not have a device token yet. The device token is then generated and saved encrypted in the settings.json file.

Therefore, a method for registering devices at scale must include:

• Obtaining the Connect Agent, for example, one of the following:

  • Register a single device from the web UI

  • Obtain the Connect Agent binary from JFrog Connect Support

• Creating an image for duplication, for example:

  • Freeze an image of a registered device

  • Build a Linux-based image that includes the Connect Agent binary

For the sake of simplicity, we describe two methods for registering large numbers of devices at a time that incorporate the above requirements. You can choose the method that is suitable for you.

Freeze Image on Device

In this method, you register a single device and then take a freeze of the OS image to copy to other devices. This method is advantageous if you have a real device with internet connectivity and the OS of that device is exactly what you want on all other devices.

This procedure consists of the following major steps:

1. Register a single device.

2. Take a freeze of the OS image on the device.

3. Burn the image on SD cards or eMMC flashes.

For the detailed procedure, see Freeze Image on Device.

Build Image with Agent

This method is suitable if you would like to build a custom image that includes the Connect Agent. For example, you may want to create an image that includes your off-the-shelf Linux-based OS, some applications that will run on the device, and the Connect Agent. As another example, you want to build a completely customized Linux- based OS for your IoT device and include the Connect Agent. You can create this image in a lab environment, i.e., on your PC, and an actual IoT device is not required.

This procedure consists of the following major steps.

1. Get a copy of the Connect Agent on your PC. (To obtain a copy of the Connect Agent binary, contact JFrog Connect Support.)

2. Copy the Connect Agent to your OS file system.

3. Burn the image on SD cards or eMMC flashes.

For the detailed procedure, see Build Image with Agent.

What’s Next?

Learn the detailed procedures for registering devices at scale:

• Freeze Image on Device
• Build Image with Agent