🛠 Set up a secure file server with Xerxes Pi 2026

Objectives

This tutorial guides you through creating a personal file server (NAS) using the Xerxes Pi 2026 board. You will learn how to install the operating system, configure fast NVMe storage, and share files on your local network. This is an ideal introduction to understanding the hardware and software integration of this compact board.

Required Materials

• Xerxes Pi 2026 carrier board
• Raspberry Pi CM5 (or CM4) module
• One M.2 NVMe SSD (M-key format)
• USB-C power supply or PoE injector
• RJ45 Ethernet cable
• A computer for initial configuration
• A monitor and keyboard (optional, for HDMI debugging)

Steps

1. Hardware Assembly : Gently insert the Raspberry Pi module into the mezzanine connectors of the Xerxes Pi 2026. Next, insert your NVMe SSD into the M.2 slot located under the board and secure it with the provided screw. Ensure the SSD is properly aligned before tightening.

1. System Installation : Download the Raspberry Pi OS Lite (64-bit) image to your computer. Use a tool like Raspberry Pi Imager to flash this image onto a microSD card. Note that the system will boot from the microSD, but we will use the NVMe for data.

1. First Boot : Insert the microSD into the CM5 module. Connect the Xerxes Pi 2026 to your router via the Gigabit Ethernet port. Plug in the USB-C power supply. The LED indicator should light up. Wait about 2 minutes for the system to start.

1. SSH Connection : From your computer, identify the board's IP address (via your router interface or the provided macOS app). Connect via SSH :

ssh pi@ip-address

The default password is raspberry. Change it immediately with the passwd command.

1. NVMe Storage Preparation : The NVMe SSD usually appears as /dev/nvme0n1. Create a partition and file system :

sudo fdisk /dev/nvme0n1
# Type 'n' for new partition, then 'w' to write
sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/nvme0n1p1

1. Mounting and Sharing : Create a mount point and configure Samba sharing to access files from Windows/Mac :

sudo mkdir /mnt/nas
sudo mount /dev/nvme0n1p1 /mnt/nas
sudo apt update && sudo apt install samba -y

Verification

To verify that the storage is mounted and performing well, run df -h. You should see /dev/nvme0n1p1 mounted on /mnt/nas. Test write speed with sudo dd if=/dev/zero of=/mnt/nas/testfile bs=1G count=1 oflag=direct. High speed confirms PCIe Gen 2 bus usage. From another device on the network, try accessing the network share via the board's IP address.

Further Reading

Once the NAS is functional, explore PoE power supply to simplify cabling if your switch supports it. You can also install Docker via the provided macOS app to host additional services like Plex or Nextcloud, transforming your Xerxes Pi into a complete media center.