EC2-Automated-Start-and-Stop

EC2 Automated Start & Stop simplifies instance management by scheduling the activation and deactivation of EC2 instances. By automating this process, developers can start up instances according to a schedule without manual intervention. This ensures resources are available when needed and stops instances during inactivity, saving time, reducing costs, and optimizing resource use — thus enhancing operational efficiency.

Architectural Diagram

Step 1: Create an EC2 instance

Step 2: Create Lambda IAM Role

In the IAM role console, create a Lambda IAM role that will allow Lambda to manage EC2 instances and provide proper permission. Select AmazonEC2FullAccess and AWSLambdaBasicExecutionRole.

Step 3: Create "Start" Lambda Function

Create a "Start" EC2 Lambda Function. Attach the Lamda IAM role. Use Python code below. Modify region and instance ID as needed.

import boto3 
region = 'us-east-1' # Replace with your desired region
instances = ['i-213sdsfsfsdf'] # Replace with desired EC2 instance ID(s)
ec2 = boto3.client('ec2', region_name=region) 

def lambda_handler(event, context): 
    ec2.start_instances(InstanceIds=instances) 
    print('starting your instances: ' + str(instances)) 

Step 4: Create "Stop" Lambda Function

Create a "Stop" EC2 Lambda Function. Attach the Lambda IAM role. Use Python code below. Modify region and instance ID as needed.

import boto3 
region = 'us-east-1' # Replace with your desired region
instances = ['i-3424432432'] # Replace with desired EC2 instance ID(s)
ec2 = boto3.client('ec2', region_name=region) 

def lambda_handler(event, context): 
    ec2.stop_instances(InstanceIds=instances) 
    print('stopped your instances: ' + str(instances))

Step 5: Configure CloudWatch Events/EventBridge Schedule

EXAMPLE CRON EXPRESSION:

37 - Minute (at 37th minute)
15 - Hour (at 3 PM)
11 - Day of the month (11th)
3 - Month (March)
* - Day of the week (any day)

? - any (for day of month)
* - any (other)

Stop Instance Schedule:

Head to CloudWatch and start creating a "Schedule" > Select Recurring Schedule > Under Cron-based schedule create desired schedule to stop instance > Select Off under Flexible time schedule allowing the process to take place immediately > Next > Select Invoke Lambda > Select the "EC2Stop" Lambda function

Start Instance Schedule:

Create another "Schedule" > Select Recurring Schedule > Under Cron-based schedule create desired schedule to stop instance > Select Off under Flexible time schedule allowing the process to take place immediately > Next > Select Invoke Lambda > Select the "EC2Start" Lambda function

Finish!

Congratulations! You've configured EC2 Automated Start and Stop using Lambda Functions and CloudWatch Events/EventBridge. Instance(s) will start up or stop according to schedule!

Notes

• Make sure you have the correct Cron expression arrangement/configuration.
• Make sure to disable schedules when no longer in use.

Reference

• EXAMPLE CRON EXPRESSION:

37 - Minute (at 37th minute)
15 - Hour (at 3 PM)
11 - Day of the month (11th)
3 - Month (March)
* - Day of the week (any day)

? - any (for day of month)
* - any (other)

• "Stop" EC2 Lambda Python Function

import boto3 
region = 'us-east-1' # Replace with your desired region
instances = ['i-3424432432'] # Replace with desired EC2 instance ID(s)
ec2 = boto3.client('ec2', region_name=region) 

def lambda_handler(event, context): 
    ec2.stop_instances(InstanceIds=instances) 
    print('stopped your instances: ' + str(instances))

• "Start" EC2 Lambda Python Function

import boto3 
region = 'us-east-1' # Replace with your desired region
instances = ['i-213sdsfsfsdf'] # Replace with desired EC2 instance ID(s)
ec2 = boto3.client('ec2', region_name=region) 

def lambda_handler(event, context): 
    ec2.start_instances(InstanceIds=instances) 
    print('starting your instances: ' + str(instances))