In this article, we will walk you through the process of installing the real-time (RT) patch on Ubuntu 20.04. This guide is designed for beginners and will provide a step-by-step approach to ensure a smooth and successful installation.
In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide for beginners on how to install the real-time patch on Ubuntu 20.04.
Introduction
The real-time patch, also known as the PREEMPT_RT patch, transforms the Linux kernel into a real-time kernel. It allows for tasks to be executed in a more predictable manner by minimizing task execution latency. This is particularly beneficial for time-sensitive applications and systems.
Prerequisites
Before we begin, ensure that your Ubuntu 20.04 system is up-to-date. You can update your system by running the following command:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgradeYou will also need to install some necessary dependencies. These include build-essential, git, libssl-dev, libelf-dev, flex, and bison. You can install these using the following command:
sudo apt install build-essential git libssl-dev libelf-dev flex bisonDownloading the Kernel Source and Patch
The next step is to download the kernel source and the corresponding real-time patch. In this example, we will be using version 5.4.143. Use the following commands to download these:
wget https://mirrors.edge.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v5.x/linux-5.4.143.tar.xz
wget https://mirrors.edge.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/projects/rt/5.4/patch-5.4.143-rt64-rc2.patch.xzExtracting the Kernel Source and Applying the Patch
Once the downloads are complete, we will extract the kernel source and apply the patch. Navigate to the directory containing the downloaded files and run the following commands:
tar -xf linux-5.4.143.tar.xz
cd linux-5.4.143
xzcat ../patch-5.4.143-rt64-rc2.patch.xz | patch -p1Configuring the Kernel
Next, we will configure the kernel. We will start by copying the existing configuration from the /boot directory. Then, we will run make oldconfig to update the configuration for the new kernel version.
cp /boot/config-5.4.0-81-generic .config
make oldconfigDuring this process, you will be prompted to choose the Preemption Model. Make sure to select the “Fully Preemptible Kernel” option. For all other prompts, you can simply press enter to accept the default values.
Next, open the .config file in a text editor and modify the line CONFIG_SYSTEM_TRUSTED_KEYS="debian/canonical-certs.pem" to CONFIG_SYSTEM_TRUSTED_KEYS="".
Building the Kernel
Now, we are ready to build the kernel. This process may take some time, depending on your system’s resources. The -j8 option specifies that the build process should use 8 threads, which should speed up the process on a multi-core system. Adjust this value according to your system’s capabilities.
make -j8 deb-pkgInstalling the Kernel
Once the build process is complete, we can install the kernel. This is done by installing the generated .deb packages. Run the following command to install these packages:
sudo dpkg -i ../linux-headers-5.4.143-rt64-rc2_5.4.143-rt64-rc2-1_amd64.deb ../linux-image-5.4.143-rt64-rc2_5.4.143-rt64-rc2-1_amd64.deb ../linux-libc-dev_5.4.143-rt64-rc2-1_amd64.debVerifying the Installation
Finally, reboot your system for the changes to take effect. Once your system is back up, you can verify that the real-time patch was successfully installed by running the following command:
uname -aThe output should indicate a real-time kernel, similar to:
Linux vod 5.4.143-rt64-rc2 #1 SMP PREEMPT_RT Tue Sep 7 20:19:55 UTC 2021 x86_64 x86_64 x86_64 GNU/LinuxConclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully installed the real-time patch on Ubuntu 20.04. This guide should have provided you with a clear understanding of the process. If you encountered any issues, refer back to the specific steps and ensure you followed them correctly.
Remember, the real-time patch is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance the performance of time-sensitive applications. However, it should be used with care, as it can also introduce new complexities into your system’s operation. Always make sure to thoroughly test any changes in a controlled environment before deploying them in a production setting.
The installation steps provided in this guide are specific to Ubuntu 20.04. While the general process may be similar for other versions of Ubuntu, it is recommended to refer to version-specific documentation or guides for accurate instructions.
The real-time patch transforms the Linux kernel into a real-time kernel, reducing task execution latency and allowing for more predictable task execution. This is particularly useful for time-sensitive applications and systems.
While the real-time patch can enhance performance for time-sensitive applications, it can also introduce complexity and potentially impact the stability of your system. It is important to thoroughly test any changes in a controlled environment before deploying them in a production setting.
Yes, you can uninstall the real-time patch if needed. However, the process may vary depending on your specific installation method. It is recommended to refer to the documentation or guides provided by the real-time patch source for accurate uninstallation instructions.
Installing the real-time patch should not affect your existing applications and data. However, as with any system modification, it is always recommended to backup your important data before making any changes.
The steps provided in this guide are specific to kernel version 5.4.143. If you are using a different kernel version, it is recommended to refer to version-specific documentation or guides for accurate instructions.
