Kubernetes Networking¶
Kubernetes networking allows containers running across multiple nodes to communicate reliably.
The networking model is designed around several key principles.
Core Networking Principles¶
Kubernetes networking follows these rules:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| Pod-to-Pod Communication | Pods can communicate with each other without NAT |
| Pod IP Addressing | Every pod receives its own IP address |
| Service Discovery | Applications can find each other through services |
| Load Balancing | Traffic can be distributed across pods |
Networking Components¶
Several Kubernetes resources enable networking functionality.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Services | Stable access point for pods |
| kube-proxy | Implements service routing |
| Ingress | HTTP/HTTPS routing into the cluster |
| DNS | Service discovery |
| Network Policies | Control traffic between pods |
How Traffic Flows¶
Applications inside Kubernetes typically communicate using this path:
Client → Service → Pod
Services provide a stable endpoint even when pods are created or destroyed.
Next¶
Explore the core networking components:
- Services
- kube-proxy
- Ingress
- DNS
- Network Policies