Chapter 1. Installation methods

You can install OpenShift Container Platform with the Assisted Installer. This method requires no setup for the installer and is ideal for connected environments like vSphere. Installing with the Assisted Installer also provides integration with vSphere, enabling autoscaling. See Installing an on-premise cluster using the Assisted Installer for additional details.

You can install an OpenShift Container Platform cluster on vSphere using the Agent-based Installer. The Agent-based Installer can be used to boot an on-premise server in a disconnected environment by using a bootable image. With the Agent-based Installer, users also have the flexibility to provision infrastructure, customize network configurations, and customize installations within a disconnected environment. See Preparing to install with the Agent-based Installer for additional details.

You can install OpenShift Container Platform on vSphere by using installer-provisioned infrastructure. Installer-provisioned infrastructure allows the installation program to preconfigure and automate the provisioning of resources required by OpenShift Container Platform. Installer-provisioned infrastructure is useful for installing in environments with disconnected networks, where the installation program provisions the underlying infrastructure for the cluster.

You can install OpenShift Container Platform on vSphere by using user-provisioned infrastructure. User-provisioned infrastructure requires the user to provision all resources required by OpenShift Container Platform. If you do not use infrastructure that the installation program provisions, you must manage and maintain the cluster resources yourself.