Container-based architectures have always been supported by development teams. These microservices have completely changed the way operations and development teams used to work. Containers allow organizations to scale in an easy way and deploy multiple applications. However, this has introduced new challenges and complexities in developing completely new infrastructure. This is where technologies like Kubernetes come into play. But what is it? How does it help in container management? Let's find out!
What is Kubernetes?
Kubernetes in simple terms is an open-source container orchestration system that is specially designed to automate the management, scaling, and deployment of containerized applications.
Today, Kubernetes has become de facto for container orchestration.
Coming to the purpose of Kubernetes, it makes it very convenient to operate and deploy applications within a microservice environment. It can do so by creating an abstract layer over a group of hosts.
Features of Kubernetes
Kubernetes is packed with amazing features and functionalities that help in container orchestration involving multiple hosts, maximize resource usage via improved utilization of infrastructure, and automate the management of Kubernetes clusters. Following are the key features of Kubernetes:
Helps in Automatic Scaling
Kubernetes automatically scale containerized apps along with their resources based on their usage lifecycle management.
It is a Declarative Model
Kubernetes works backstage to maintain the state declared by you. It also works to recover from failures.
Self-Healing and Resilience
Auto-restart, auto-placement, auto-scaling, and auto replication offer much-needed self-healing storage to applications.
Supports Load Balancing
Another feature of Kubernetes is that it greatly supports a range of external and internal load balancing options to meet a variety of needs.
Offers DevSecOps Support
DevSecOps aims at automating and simplifying container operations over clouds. Further, it also integrates security throughout the lifecycle of containers and allows teams to deliver high-quality and secure software more quickly. By combining the power of Kubernetes and DevSecOps, developers can benefit to a great extent.
How to Deploy E2E Kubernetes Cluster?
Following are the ways to deploy E2E Kubernetes Cluster:
Deploying Master Node
You don't have to set anything in advance when you're starting a master node. Note that a single-node K8s cluster can be easily expanded by other nodes anytime after you launch it.
You can easily launch a master node by opening the Kubernetes option and selecting "Create a Computer Node Page". Once done choose Master Node to begin the desired programs.
Deploying the Worker Node
To start a Worker Node, you will need the below-mentioned details for
Master node address in advance. Note that you will require this information before starting the worker node.
K8S_ADDRESS
K8S_TOKEN
K8S_HASH
Once you get your hands on the details, you can initiate a worker node via the Myaccount Portal.
How to Access the Kubernetes Cluster Remotely?
To manage and access the Kubernetes cluster remotely, you need to have Kubectl CLI on your computer. You can easily install the tool by following the installation guide that comes with it. Further, use the command mentioned below to check if the installation is correct or not:
kubectl - help
Moreover, you also need to be prepared with access buttons and a Master node IP address on your local machine.
You also need to be configured with the cluster Master node IP address and access buttons added to your local machine to connect.
Configuring kubectl for Remote Access
In this part, we will discuss how to create a kubeconfig file for the kubectl command based on admin credentials.
All you need to do is run all the commands mentioned below using the same directory which is useful to create admin client certificates.
Admin Configuration File
Note that each kubeconfig command line utility needs a Kubernetes API server to connect. For supporting high availability, you will use the IP address of the external load balancer at the front of Kubernetes API Servers.
Begin by creating a kubeconfig file required for admin user authentication.
Now comes the verification part.
To check the version of your remote K8s cluster, run the below command:
kubectl version
Further, to list all the nodes present in the Kubernetes cluster, run the following command:
kubectl get nodes
And that's all about deploying and connecting Kubernetes Clusters for improving your efficiency and results. Kubernetes is a great platform for the overall improvement and efficiency of developing environments.
References:
https://www.vmware.com/topics/glossary/content/kubernetes.html
https://www.e2enetworks.com/blog/deploying-a-multi-master-kubernetes-cluster-on-e2e-cloud
