Mastering Kubernetes on AWS: An Exploratory Guide to EKS and ALB Ingress Controller

A Comprehensive Dive into Kubernetes EKS: Exploring Kubernetes Ingress with AWS ALB Ingress Controller

Introduction to Kubernetes EKS

Before diving into the specifics of Kubernetes Ingress with AWS ALB Ingress Controller, let’s familiarize ourselves with what Kubernetes EKS is. Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (Amazon EKS) is a fully managed service that enables you to operate Kubernetes on AWS without needing to stand up or maintain your own Kubernetes control plane. Certainly, a handy tool in your application’s arsenal, wouldn’t you say?

Kubernetes Ingress: A Simplified Definition

In essence, Kubernetes Ingress is an API object that manages external access to the services in a cluster, typically HTTP. Ingress can handle load balancing, SSL termination, and name-based virtual hosting. It’s kind of like a bouncer at a club, deciding who gets in, who gets VIP access and – crucially – who can skip the line.

The AWS ALB Ingress Controller: What Is It For?

Like a tour guide in a jungle, the AWS ALB Ingress Controller helps navigate the world of Kubernetes Ingress on AWS. Officially known as the AWS Load Balancer Controller, this tool is simply an implementation of a Kubernetes Ingress controller for AWS ALB and NLB.

Getting Hands-on with Kubernetes Ingress

Now, let’s roll up our sleeves and delve into the ‘how-to’ of Kubernetes Ingress with AWS ALB Ingress Controller.

If you’re using Linux, use these commands to add the EKS repository and install the AWS IAM Authenticator:

curl -O https://amazon-eks.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/1.21.2/2021-07-05/bin/linux/amd64/aws-iam-authenticator
chmod +x ./aws-iam-authenticator
mkdir -p $HOME/bin && cp ./aws-iam-authenticator $HOME/bin/aws-iam-authenticator && export PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin
echo 'export PATH=$PATH:$HOME/bin' >> ~/.bashrc
aws eks update-kubeconfig --region region-code --name cluster-name

Just remember, be cautious about what code snippets you’re copy/pasting from the internet. You don’t want to end up like the developer who pasted a ‘sudo rm -rf /’ command and wiped his entire system clean. You’ve been warned!

Deploy AWS ALB Ingress Controller

You should now be all set to install the AWS ALB Ingress Controller. Let’s break it down into simple steps.

# Step 1: Download the IAM policy
curl -o iam_policy.json https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes-sigs/aws-alb-ingress-controller/v1.1.8/docs/examples/iam-policy.json

# Step 2: Create the IAM policy
aws iam create-policy --policy-name ALBIngressControllerIAMPolicy --policy-document file://iam_policy.json

# Step 3: Apply the RBAC Roles and Bindings
kubectl apply -f https://raw.githubusercontent.com/kubernetes-sigs/aws-alb-ingress-controller/v1.1.8/docs/examples/rbac-role.yaml

To Sum It Up

Kubernetes EKS offers a plethora of benefits when it comes to container management. Incorporating the AWS ALB Ingress Controller simplifies navigating the notoriously complex waters of Kubernetes Ingress. But remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Keep exploring and find the best fit for your specific needs.

A good developer is always inquisitive and open to new tools –much like a kid in a candy store. Although you might not get a sugar rush from learning about Kubernetes EKS, who’s to say the thrill of overcoming a technical hurdle isn’t just as sweet?