RethinkDB

Version: 2.4.3 | OS: Ubuntu 22.04

Overview

RethinkDB is an open-source document database that stores data in JSON format, making it ideal for real-time applications. It offers a web-based Admin UI, built-in replication, and a flexible query language.

Included Software

• RethinkDB - 2.4.3

Firewall & Access

Port	Service	Purpose
22	SSH (rate limited)	Secure server access
8080	RethinkDB Admin UI	Web administration interface

Initial Deployment

During the deployment process:

• RethinkDB is installed and started
• You will be logged out with the message:

Please wait until the installation is completed....
Connection to $IPADDRESS closed.

Wait at least 2 minutes before logging back in.

Accessing the Instance

1. Login to your instance:

ssh ubuntu@$IPADDRESS

2. Switch to root:

sudo su -

Web Interface

You can access the RethinkDB Admin UI in your browser at:

https://$IPADDRESS:8080

No password set by default

The admin user has no password, and the Admin UI on port 8080 is unauthenticated. Set an admin password (see User Management below) and never expose port 8080 to the public internet — keep it on a private network or restrict it with the firewall.

Configuration & Logs

• Modify configuration:

nano /etc/rethinkdb/instances.d/instance.conf

• View logs:

ls /var/log/rethinkdb

User Management

• Default admin user: admin (no password set by default)
• Update password with --initial-password at startup or via API
• Web Admin UI connects as admin without password (not recommended for public interfaces)

Security Considerations

• Limit web UI exposure using --bind-http to restrict access
• Prefer internal/private networks for cluster communication
• Enable TLS and bind ports to specific IPs for external deployments

For full details, refer to the Permissions and User Accounts Documentation and Securing the Cluster Guide.

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