AZ-104 Exam EP 43: Azure Kubernetes Services

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the essentials of Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS), covering key concepts, terminology, and practical applications. Understanding AKS is vital for managing containerized applications in the cloud, especially for those preparing for the AZ-104 certification exam.

Step 1: Understand Azure Kubernetes Services

• Azure Kubernetes Services (AKS) simplifies the deployment and management of Kubernetes clusters in Azure.
• It automates critical tasks such as health monitoring and maintenance.
• AKS allows you to run containerized applications without the overhead of managing the underlying infrastructure.

Step 2: Familiarize Yourself with AKS Terminology

• Cluster: A set of virtual machines (VMs) that run containerized applications.
• Node: A single VM in the AKS cluster that runs one or more containers.
• Pod: The smallest deployable unit in Kubernetes, consisting of one or more containers.

Step 3: Learn About AKS Clusters and Nodes

• AKS enables you to create a cluster with multiple nodes.
• Each node is responsible for running the applications and services.
• You can scale the number of nodes based on your application requirements.

Step 4: Explore AKS Networking

• AKS uses Azure Virtual Network (VNet) to manage traffic.
• You can configure network policies to control communication between pods.
• Ensure to enable network security groups (NSGs) for added security.

Step 5: Understand AKS Storage Options

• AKS supports various storage options for persistent data:
  • Azure Disks for block storage.
  • Azure Files for file storage.
• Choose the right storage option based on your application needs.

Step 6: Implement AKS Security Best Practices

• Use Azure Active Directory (AD) for authentication.
• Implement role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions.
• Regularly update your AKS cluster and nodes for security patches.

Step 7: Integrate AKS with Azure Active Directory

• Enabling Azure AD integration allows for secure access to the AKS cluster.
• Use Azure AD groups to manage user access and permissions efficiently.

Step 8: Learn About AKS Scaling Options

• AKS supports manual and automatic scaling of nodes.
• You can scale out (add nodes) or scale in (remove nodes) based on workload demands.
• Consider using the Kubernetes Horizontal Pod Autoscaler for managing pod scaling.

Step 9: Explore AKS Scaling to Azure Container Instances

• Use Azure Container Instances (ACI) for running containers without managing VMs.
• AKS can scale to ACI for burst workloads, providing flexibility in resource management.

Step 10: Familiarize Yourself with Virtual Kubelet

• The Virtual Kubelet is an open-source project that allows you to connect Kubernetes to ACI.
• It enables seamless scaling of your AKS workloads to ACI.

Conclusion

By understanding the fundamentals of Azure Kubernetes Services, you can effectively deploy and manage containerized applications in Azure. Focus on mastering the terminology, networking, storage options, and security best practices. As a next step, consider practicing with AKS by setting up your own cluster to gain hands-on experience.