What Is ARM Architecture? Complete Guide to Installing and Using Ubuntu ARM for IoT, Cloud, and Development

1. What Is the ARM Architecture?

What Is ARM?

The ARM architecture is a processor design based on RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computing). RISC enables efficient processing with a smaller set of instructions, resulting in lower power consumption, making it ideal for mobile devices and IoT hardware. In contrast, the x86 architecture uses CISC (Complex Instruction Set Computing), which handles more complex instructions and is therefore suitable for desktop PCs and servers.

Features and Advantages of ARM

• Low Power Consumption: ARM processors are highly energy-efficient, making them an excellent fit for battery-powered devices. They are widely used in power-sensitive devices such as Raspberry Pi and smartphones.
• Cost Efficiency: ARM chips are inexpensive to manufacture, contributing to lower overall device costs.
• Scalability: ARM supports a wide range of devices—from compact boards like Raspberry Pi to server-grade processors such as AWS Graviton.

Compatibility Between ARM and Ubuntu

Ubuntu, an open-source Linux distribution, provides an optimized environment for ARM architecture. Lightweight and efficient systems powered by ARM processors are ideal for IoT and cloud applications. In particular, usage on AWS Graviton processors and Raspberry Pi devices continues to grow.

2. How to Install Ubuntu ARM

Required Preparation

To install Ubuntu on an ARM device, download the ARM64 version from the official Ubuntu website and create installation media on a USB drive or SD card. Depending on the device, choose the appropriate Ubuntu version. Tools such as Raspberry Pi Imager or Etcher make the process simple.

Installation Steps

1. Download Ubuntu: Download the ARM64 image file from the official Ubuntu website.
2. Create Installation Media: Write the image to a USB drive or SD card using a tool such as Etcher.
3. Boot the Device: Insert the media and boot the device. The installer launches automatically.
4. Install Ubuntu: Follow the installer instructions to configure language, keyboard layout, and disk partitions.

Setting Up a Japanese Environment

If you need Japanese support, install the language pack and configure the locale using the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install language-pack-ja
sudo update-locale LANG=ja_JP.UTF-8
sudo reboot

3. Desktop Environment and Language Settings

Installing the Desktop Environment

If you want to use a GUI environment instead of CLI only, you can install Ubuntu Desktop. Use the command below to install the desktop environment and access the graphical login screen after rebooting.

sudo apt install ubuntu-desktop -y

The desktop environment becomes available after rebooting.

4. Setting Up Development Tools on ARM

Installing Development Tools

Ubuntu ARM makes it easy to install development tools. It supports various programming environments such as the GCC compiler and Python.

Installing GCC Compiler

To install the GCC compiler for ARM, run the following command:

sudo apt install gcc-arm-linux-gnueabihf

This allows you to set up a cross-compilation environment as well.

Setting Up Python

Use the following command to install Python for development:

sudo apt install python3

This enables script development directly on ARM devices.

5. Use Cases of Ubuntu ARM

IoT Applications

By installing Ubuntu ARM on a Raspberry Pi, you can build sensor management systems and IoT gateways. Its low power requirements and efficiency make it suitable for real-time data processing and optimized network communication.

Cloud Applications

AWS Graviton processors adopt ARM architecture and work extremely well with Ubuntu ARM. They significantly reduce costs and power usage, making them an excellent option for cloud computing environments.

6. Performance and Power Consumption Comparison

ARM vs. x86

The ARM architecture is known for its low power consumption. In contrast, x86 processors deliver high performance but require more power, making ARM a better choice for cloud and edge devices. Devices such as Raspberry Pi are ideal for long-running workloads and IoT operations.

Power Consumption and Performance

ARM consumes far less power than x86 processors with comparable performance, which is valuable for cloud servers and edge devices that require sustainable computing. In AWS Graviton deployments, cost reductions of up to 40% have been reported compared to traditional x86 servers.

7. Troubleshooting and Common Issues

Common Installation Problems

• Graphics Issues: During installation of Ubuntu 24.04 on Raspberry Pi, graphics errors may occur. Editing config.txt to adjust PCIe speed may help, though it might not be a complete solution.
• Network Configuration Issues: Problems with Wi-Fi or static IP settings may require manual adjustments. Check network configurations using the ifconfig command and edit related configuration files.

Storage Device Compatibility

Installation may fail when using USB SSDs or NVMe storage due to device compatibility. Try different storage devices or edit config.txt to adjust storage parameters.

8. Summary and Future Outlook

The combination of ARM and Ubuntu is expected to expand in IoT and cloud computing fields, offering low-cost and efficient solutions. More devices and services are likely to adopt ARM, contributing to sustainable computing ecosystems.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which devices support Ubuntu ARM?
A: Supported devices include Raspberry Pi 4 or later models, NVIDIA Jetson boards, and AWS Graviton processors. Depending on the hardware, you can choose either Desktop or Server editions.

Q: What should I do if installation errors occur?
A: Errors may arise from graphics issues or storage incompatibilities. Adjusting PCIe speed in config.txt, switching storage devices, or manually configuring network settings may resolve these issues.

Q: What is Ubuntu ARM best suited for?
A: Ubuntu ARM excels in IoT and cloud computing, where low power consumption is essential. It performs well on small devices like Raspberry Pi and delivers significant benefits in cloud environments such as AWS Graviton, especially for edge computing and real-time data processing.

Q: Which development tools are available on Ubuntu ARM?
A: Ubuntu ARM supports common development tools such as the GCC compiler and Python. Node.js, Docker, Kubernetes, and other environments also run on ARM-based Ubuntu, enabling IoT projects, server management, cross-compilation, and cloud-service development.