Run your own Private Redis Server in the Cloud

If you’ve used modern database storage before, you have heard of Redis. Redis is a hierarchical key/value store used for caching, session management, real-time analytics, and more. Its speed and efficiency make it a favorite for many developers. There are many hosters offering to run Redis instances for you. While that is appealing from a maintenance point of view, you might want to consider running a server yourself due to privacy reasons. In this article I will show you how to run your own private Redis server in the cloud!

Setting up the Redis Cloud Server

Setting up your own Redis server is rather straight-forward. First, you need to choose a VPS hoster. Then, you’ll set up the server environment, install Redis, and configure it to meet your needs. Finally, you’ll test the installation to ensure everything is working correctly. We’ll be covering these steps below.

Choosing a VPS Hoster

When choosing a VPS hoster, consider factors such as cost, performance, security, and support. Here are some popular options:

• DigitalOcean: Starts at ~$5 per month. DigitalOcean is known for its simplicity and reliability. It offers a straightforward interface and robust performance.
• Scaleway: Starts at ~$4 per month. Scaleway is a cost-effective option with good performance and flexibility.
• OrangeWebsite: Anonymous, ~$30 per month. OrangeWebsite offers anonymous hosting, which can be a valuable feature for those who prioritize privacy.
• IONOS VPS: Starts at ~$1 per month. IONOS offers one of the cheapest VPS options, making it ideal for those on a tight budget.

Whichever hoster you choose, make sure to select one that offers easy SSH access. Be sure to generate your own SSH keys for more secure access, and use an SSH jump server or a VPN if you want to stay anonymous.

Installing and Configuring Redis

Once you’ve chosen a VPS provider (we’ll assume a Ubuntu/Debian-based system) and set up your server, follow these steps to install and configure Redis:

Update your packet list:

sudo apt update

Install Redis:

sudo apt install redis-server

Configure Redis:

sudo nano /etc/redis/redis.conf

In this configuration file, be sure to set a strong password and, if required, ensure the Redis server only binds to the local loopback address 127.0.0.1:

requirepass your_redis_password
bind 127.0.0.1

Only binding the server to 127.0.0.1 is a security measure, preventing external clients from connecting to your server (and potentially guessing your password). One way to access the Redis instance from outside of the server is to add the server host to a mesh network. For this, you can use ready-made ones like ZeroTier One or roll your own with WireGuard.

Enable Redis to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable redis-server

Start the Redis service:

sudo systemctl start redis-server

This should ensure that Redis is starting automatically on every reboot, and your own private Redis instance is always available when your server runs.

Testing the Installation

To ensure Redis is installed correctly, you can run the following command to check its status:

sudo systemctl status redis-server

You should see an output indicating that the Redis service is active and running. To test Redis, you can use the Redis CLI:

redis-cli

Once in the Redis CLI, you can run commands like PING to test connectivity:

127.0.0.1:6379> PING
PONG

Client Libraries and Tools to Connect to Your Server

There are various client libraries and tools available to connect to your Redis server from different programming languages. Here are a few popular ones:

Python: redis-py

Install the package using pip:

pip install redis

Its usage is straight-forward:

import redis
r = redis.Redis(host='your_server_ip', port=6379, password='your_redis_password')

JavaScript/Node.js: node_redis

Install it via npm:

npm install redis

This client library is easy to use as well in your JS environment:

const redis = require('redis');
const client = redis.createClient({
  host: 'your_server_ip',
  port: 6379,
  password: 'your_redis_password'
});

PHP: phpredis

This client library can be used via apt:

sudo apt install php-redis

Use it like this:

$redis = new Redis();
$redis->connect('your_server_ip', 6379);
$redis->auth('your_redis_password');

Conclusion

Running your own private Redis server in the cloud is a cost-effective and flexible solution for managing your in-memory data needs. By choosing the right VPS provider, installing and configuring Redis, and using the appropriate client libraries, you can have a powerful Redis setup tailored to your specific requirements. You now know how to run your own private Redis Server in the Cloud in mere minutes!

Whenever you host something online, the same rules apply as for regular website hosting. Be sure to stay safe and always use a VPN!

If you liked this article or want to share your own thoughts and experiences, comment below to get the conversation started!