Part 4: Cluster Deployment
DOCUMENT CATEGORY: Runbook SCOPE: Azure Local cluster deployment PURPOSE: Deploy and configure Azure Local cluster MASTER REFERENCE: Microsoft Learn - Deploy Azure Local
Status: Active
This part covers the core deployment of the Azure Local cluster, from OS installation through cluster creation and initial configuration.
Stages Covered
| Stage | Description | Scripts |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Hardware Provisioning | phase-01-hardware-provisioning/ |
| 12 | OS Installation | phase-02-os-installation/ |
| 13 | OS Configuration | phase-03-os-configuration/ |
| 14 | Register with Azure Arc | phase-04-arc-registration/ |
| 15 | Deploy Cluster | phase-05-cluster-deployment/ |
| 16 | Post-Deployment Config | phase-06-post-deployment/ |
In This Section
- OS Installation - Azure Stack HCI OS deployment via USB or PXE
- OS Configuration - Host configuration, networking, domain join
- Arc Registration - Connect servers to Azure Arc
- Cluster Creation - Deploy Azure Local cluster via Azure Portal or ARM
Deployment Methods
Azure Local cluster deployment supports two primary methods: Azure Portal (wizard-driven, recommended for initial deployments) and ARM Template (declarative, repeatable, suited for automation and multi-site deployments). For full details on each approach including prerequisites, trade-offs, and step-by-step instructions, see Deployment Methods.
Key Deliverables
| Deliverable | Description |
|---|---|
| OS Installed | Azure Stack HCI OS on all nodes |
| Network Configured | Management, storage, compute networks |
| Domain Joined | Nodes joined to Active Directory |
| Arc Registered | Servers visible in Azure Portal |
| Cluster Created | Azure Local cluster deployed |
| Storage Configured | Storage Spaces Direct pool |
Prerequisites
Complete all on-premises prerequisites before starting cluster deployment.
- Completed On-Premises Readiness
- Azure Stack HCI OS media available
- Network infrastructure configured
- Active Directory prepared
- Azure Arc prerequisites met
Quick Navigation
| Stage | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Hardware Provisioning | BIOS, iDRAC, and network reservations |
| 12 | OS Installation | Azure Stack HCI OS deployment |
| 13 | OS Configuration | Host networking and domain join |
| 14 | Arc Registration | Connect servers to Azure Arc |
| 15 | Cluster Deployment | Deploy Azure Local cluster |
| 16 | Post-Deployment | WAC, storage, images, and networks |
Next Steps
After cluster deployment, proceed to Operational Foundations for monitoring, security, and backup configuration.
| Version | Date | Author | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-03-03 | Azure Local Cloud Azure Local Cloudnology | Initial release |