Using Envoy Proxy in Kubernetes: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Use Envoy Proxy in Kubernetes

Introduction

Envoy Proxy is a powerful tool for managing service mesh and implementing traffic management features in cloud-based applications. In a Kubernetes environment, using Envoy can significantly enhance your network operations and provide more control over service deployments.

Prerequisites

A Kubernetes cluster up and running.
Kubectl installed and configured to manage your cluster.
Basic understanding of Kubernetes and its components.
Helm installed for managing Kubernetes packages.

Step-by-step Guide

1. Setting Up Envoy Proxy

First, ensure your Kubernetes cluster is operational. Use Helm to install the necessary components for Envoy Proxy:

helm repo add envoy https://some-envoy-repo-url
helm install my-envoy envoy/envoy

This command adds the Envoy repository and installs Envoy in your cluster. Adjust the configuration based on your application needs, such as setting up ingress and egress traffic routes.

2. Configuring Envoy Proxy

Next, configure your Envoy Proxy by creating custom YAML configurations. An example configuration might look like this:

static_resources:
 listeners:
 - name: listener_0
   filter_chains:
   - filters:
     - name: envoy.filters.network.http_connection_manager
       typed_config:
         '@type': type.googleapis.com/envoy.extensions.filters.network.http_connection_manager.v3.HttpConnectionManager
         stat_prefix: ingress_http
         route_config:
           name: local_route
           virtual_hosts:
           - name: local_service
             domains: ["*"]
             routes:
             - match: { prefix: "/" }
               route: { cluster: some_service }
         http_filters:
         - name: envoy.filters.http.router
 clusters:
 - name: some_service
   connect_timeout: 0.25s
   type: STRICT_DNS
   lb_policy: ROUND_ROBIN
   load_assignment:
     cluster_name: some_service
     endpoints:
     - lb_endpoints:
       - endpoint:
           address:
             socket_address:
               address: some_service
               port_value: 80

This setup manages a network listener and filters for HTTP connections, directing traffic to ‘some_service’.

3. Deploying Applications with Envoy Proxy

Deploy your applications with the integrated Envoy Proxy. Ensure that your application’s deployment scripts include Envoy to manage network traffic. This is typically managed via a sidecar pattern, where Envoy runs alongside your services, intercepting and managing traffic.

4. Managing and Monitoring

Use monitoring tools to observe the performance of Envoy and its impact on your application traffic. Tools like Prometheus or Grafana can provide insights into service health and load balance effectiveness.