Describing Kubernetes Cluster Architecture

Objectives

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Outline the architecture of a Kubernetes cluster
  • Describe briefly the components of a Kubernetes cluster

What is a Kubernetes Cluster?

Usage scenario

Kubernetes is a set of components that work together to provide a complete platform for deploying, scaling, and operating containerized applications. In this module, you will learn about the core components of a Kubernetes system and how they work together to provide a complete system for deploying, scaling, and operating containerized applications.

What is a Kubernetes Cluster?

When provisioning Kubernetes, you will get something called a cluster.

A cluster is a set of machines, called nodes, which can be physical or virtual machines, that actually runs your containerized applications. Each Kubernetes cluster has a master node, also called the control plane, and one or more worker nodes. The master node (Control Plane) is responsible for managing the cluster, while the worker nodes (Nodes) are responsible for running the applications.

Kubernetes as a container orchestrator is often metaphorically compared to an orchestra, where the master node is the conductor, and the worker nodes are the musicians. The conductor tells the musicians what to play, and the musicians play the music. Conductors themselves do not play instruments. Similarly, the master node does not run containers itself. It only manages the worker nodes. The main task of the control plane is to schedule containers on worker nodes, store and manage the cluster data and provide the cluster's API, which is used to remote control the cluster.

Components of a Kubernetes System

Click on each component to find out more details.

Note

It is also crucial to ensure that the data stored in etcd is backed up regularly.

Summary

You have now gained a profound understanding of the core components of a Kubernetes cluster and how they work together to provide a holistic, reliable and scalable distributed system.

Further Reading on the Core Components of a Kubernetes System

Find more information here: Kubernetes Documentation.

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