This guide walks you through how we implemented ingress for AKS, ensuring secure HTTPS routing with automated certificate management. The steps outlined here are tailored for AKS but can easily be applied to other Kubernetes environments.
Introduction
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Efficiently managing application traffic in Kubernetes demands a robust solution for routing, load balancing, and SSL termination. While platforms like AWS offer native tools such as ACM and Route 53, AKS requires additional configuration for domain management and SSL provisioning.
At iSteer, we address these challenges using Cert-Manager and Let’s Encrypt, combined with CI/CD pipelines to maintain security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
What is Kubernetes Ingress?
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Kubernetes Ingress is a resource that provides external access to cluster services, acting as a single entry point for HTTP/HTTPS traffic with routing rules based on hostnames and paths.
Centralized Traffic Management: A single entry point routes traffic to multiple services.
SSL/TLS Termination: Handles HTTPS communication securely.
Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for individual load balancers for each service.
Why We Chose Cert-Manager and Let’s Encrypt
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AKS lacks built-in tools for automated SSL certificate management and domain integration. To bridge this gap, we implemented:
Cert-Manager: Automated issuance and renewal of SSL certificates.
Let’s Encrypt: A trusted certificate authority for secure connections.
Azure Pipelines: Automated deployments for consistency, compliance, and auditability.
Azure Repos: All configurations are maintained in Git for security and ease of updates.
This combination not only addresses the limitations of AKS but also ensures a secure, scalable, and maintainable setup for Kubernetes environments.
Why choose iSteer?
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At iSteer, we specialize in designing and implementing cloud-native solutions tailored to your business needs.
Expertise Across Cloud Platforms: Whether it’s AWS, Azure, or GCP, our team excels in creating scalable Kubernetes environments.
Automation-First Approach: We leverage industry-leading tools like Cert-Manager, Let’s Encrypt, and CI/CD pipelines to automate workflows, ensuring minimal manual intervention.
Focus on Compliance and Security: All configurations are version-controlled and regularly audited to meet the highest standards.
Tailored Solutions: We adapt our expertise to your unique requirements, enabling faster time-to-market and improved operational efficiency.
End-to-End Support: From planning and deployment to optimization and maintenance, we are with you every step of the way.
Our team has helped numerous clients simplify Kubernetes deployments while ensuring robust traffic management and security. Partner with us to enhance your cloud journey.
Conclusion
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Implementing ingress on AKS with Cert-Manager and Let’s Encrypt simplifies traffic management and automates SSL provisioning. At iSteer, we’ve optimized this approach to deliver scalable, secure, and compliant solutions for businesses across industries.
If you’re exploring Kubernetes solutions or planning to move your enterprise applications to microservices and container-based architectures, we’re here to help. Whether it’s on cloud, hybrid, or on-premises, our expertise ensures a seamless and efficient transition. Share your requirements or connect with us at sales@isteer.com for more details!.
