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🔄 n8n Server

Workflow automation and data integration platform

🎯 Overview

n8n Server is a workflow automation platform that enables teams to create automated data processing workflows, integrate various systems and APIs, and streamline business processes. It provides a visual interface for building complex workflows without coding.

🏗️ Architecture

Core Components

  • Workflow Engine: Executes automated workflows and data processing
  • Node System: Modular components for different operations
  • API Integration: Connects to various external services and APIs
  • Data Processing: Handles data transformation and routing
  • Scheduling: Automated trigger and execution scheduling
  • Error Handling: Robust error management and retry mechanisms

Technology Stack

  • Backend: Node.js with TypeScript
  • Database: SQLite (default) or PostgreSQL/MySQL
  • API: RESTful API for external integrations
  • Authentication: JWT-based authentication
  • Deployment: Docker containers or direct installation

Infrastructure

  • Server: ovh-n8n (OVH cloud infrastructure)
  • URL: https://n8n.instabackend.io/
  • Access: AI Engineers, Support Engineers, Data Engineers
  • Environment: Production with high availability

⚙️ Configuration

Server Details

# Server Information
Server: ovh-n8n
URL: https://n8n.instabackend.io/
Environment: Production
Access Level: Restricted to specific roles

Access Control

  • AI Engineers: Full access for AI pipeline automation
  • Support Engineers: Access for support workflow automation
  • Data Engineers: Full access for data pipeline automation
  • Other Roles: Read-only access for monitoring

Authentication

  • Method: Email/password authentication
  • SSO: Integration with company authentication system
  • API Keys: Available for programmatic access
  • Session Management: Secure session handling

🚀 Usage

Workflow Creation

  1. Access the Platform: Navigate to https://n8n.instabackend.io/
  2. Create New Workflow: Use the visual workflow builder
  3. Add Nodes: Select from available node types
  4. Configure Connections: Set up data flow between nodes
  5. Test Workflow: Validate workflow execution
  6. Activate: Deploy workflow to production

Common Use Cases

Data Pipeline Automation

  • ETL Processes: Extract, transform, load data workflows
  • API Integration: Connect multiple external APIs
  • Data Transformation: Convert data formats and structures
  • Real-time Processing: Stream data through automated workflows

Support Workflow Automation

  • Ticket Processing: Automated support ticket workflows
  • Issue Tracking: Integration with Jira and other systems
  • Automated Responses: Set up responses for common issues
  • Reporting: Automated support metrics and reporting

AI Pipeline Integration

  • Model Training: Automated AI model training workflows
  • Data Preprocessing: Prepare data for AI models
  • Model Deployment: Automated model deployment pipelines
  • Performance Monitoring: Track AI model performance

Node Types Available

  • HTTP Requests: API calls and webhooks
  • Database Operations: MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL
  • File Operations: Read/write files and data
  • Email/SMS: Send notifications and messages
  • Conditional Logic: If/then decision making
  • Data Transformation: JSON, CSV, XML processing
  • Scheduling: Time-based triggers
  • Error Handling: Try/catch and retry logic

📊 Monitoring & Analytics

Performance Metrics

  • Workflow Execution Time: Track execution duration
  • Success Rate: Monitor workflow success/failure rates
  • Error Rates: Track and analyze errors
  • Resource Usage: Monitor CPU and memory usage
  • API Response Times: Track external API performance

Monitoring Tools

  • Built-in Dashboard: n8n's internal monitoring
  • Grafana Integration: Custom dashboards and alerts
  • Log Analysis: Centralized logging and analysis
  • Alert System: Automated alerts for issues

Health Checks

# Check n8n server health
curl https://n8n.instabackend.io/health

# Check workflow status
curl https://n8n.instabackend.io/api/v1/workflows

# Monitor execution logs
curl https://n8n.instabackend.io/api/v1/executions

🔧 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Workflow Execution Failures

  • Check Node Configuration: Verify all node settings
  • API Authentication: Ensure API keys and tokens are valid
  • Data Format: Verify input/output data formats
  • Rate Limits: Check for API rate limiting issues

Performance Issues

  • Resource Monitoring: Check CPU and memory usage
  • Database Performance: Monitor database query performance
  • Network Latency: Check external API response times
  • Workflow Optimization: Optimize complex workflows

Integration Problems

  • API Endpoints: Verify API endpoint availability
  • Authentication: Check API authentication credentials
  • Data Formats: Ensure compatible data formats
  • Error Handling: Review error handling logic

Debug Commands

# Check n8n service status
systemctl status n8n

# View n8n logs
journalctl -u n8n -f

# Check database connectivity
curl -X GET "https://n8n.instabackend.io/api/v1/credentials" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_KEY"

# Test workflow execution
curl -X POST "https://n8n.instabackend.io/api/v1/workflows/WORKFLOW_ID/trigger" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"test": "data"}'

🔒 Security

Access Control

  • Role-based Access: Different permissions per role
  • API Key Management: Secure API key handling
  • Session Security: Secure session management
  • Audit Logging: Track all access and changes

Data Protection

  • Encryption: Data encryption in transit and at rest
  • Secure Storage: Secure credential storage
  • Data Privacy: Compliance with data protection regulations
  • Backup Security: Secure backup and recovery procedures

📈 Performance Optimization

Best Practices

  • Workflow Design: Optimize workflow structure
  • Node Efficiency: Use efficient node configurations
  • Batch Processing: Process data in batches when possible
  • Caching: Implement caching for repeated operations
  • Error Handling: Robust error handling and retry logic

Scaling Strategies

  • Horizontal Scaling: Add more n8n instances
  • Load Balancing: Distribute workload across instances
  • Database Optimization: Optimize database performance
  • Resource Allocation: Proper resource allocation

🔗 Integration Examples

Data Pipeline Integration

// Example: Automated data processing workflow
{
  "trigger": {
    "type": "schedule",
    "interval": "1h"
  },
  "nodes": [
    {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://api.example.com/data",
      "method": "GET"
    },
    {
      "type": "transform",
      "operation": "jsonToCsv"
    },
    {
      "type": "database",
      "operation": "insert",
      "table": "processed_data"
    }
  ]
}

Support Workflow Integration

// Example: Automated support ticket processing
{
  "trigger": {
    "type": "webhook",
    "path": "/support-ticket"
  },
  "nodes": [
    {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://jira.appgain.io/rest/api/2/issue",
      "method": "POST",
      "body": {
        "fields": {
          "project": {"key": "SUPPORT"},
          "summary": "{{$json.summary}}",
          "description": "{{$json.description}}"
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "email",
      "to": "support@appgain.io",
      "subject": "New Support Ticket: {{$json.summary}}"
    }
  ]
}

System Components

Role-specific Guides

External Resources

🔄 n8n Server provides powerful workflow automation capabilities for data processing, support operations, and AI pipeline integration across the Appgain platform.

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