How Kubernetes Improves HPC at Scale

04/28/2022 | Featured Content, Hardware, Technology Education

The development and deployment of software is a complex process. It requires the orchestration of teams, code, and hardware. Often, this is made more difficult by the monolithic structure of applications, which means they are built so that every part of the application needs to be ready at deployment. However, Kubernetes (K8s) runs on containers which radically changes the status quo. How does it work?

Let’s start with the core, containers. Containers separate functions and features into their own service containers. K8s services can therefore function independently of other containerized services, but they can also work together to provide fully functional applications. Separation of services presents many benefits. For example, if updates need to be made to specific services, they can be done without updating every service — making it much faster for developers to update system components.

Additionally, scaling becomes more manageable since developers can target their efforts towards specific bottlenecks instead of updating every part of an application. Now let’s take a step up in the Kubernetes hierarchy and look at cluster services.

Kubernetes Is Key to Container Management and Communication

Kubernetes cluster services can be compared to an orchestra conductor, ensuring that all the container hosts (workers) work together in harmony. This process starts with cluster services receiving configuration files from the administrator and then carrying out the commands automatically. Container services set up and configure necessary containers based on the configuration file.

K8s also ensures that the configuration files stay up to date by managing communication between containers. It does this through the kubelet process, which is responsible for communicating with cluster services. Each container host can communicate with cluster services which serve as the orchestrator. K8s communication and orchestration make it possible to separate features and functions into different services while maintaining a unified system.

Kubernetes and Modern Hardware Architecture

Many organizations employ techniques like hyperconverged and composable infrastructure that disaggregate hardware resources. Kubernetes is the ideal companion to these techniques in many ways. For example, while containerization simplifies deployment at scale and reduces downtime during upgrades, it doesn’t change how an application works at its core.

Additionally, consider the goals of both Kubernetes and composable infrastructure. Kubernetes intends to make it easier to manage, upgrade, and update applications at scale. Composable infrastructure aims to unify management, improve efficiency, and simplify the scaling of your computing infrastructure. Both technologies share common goals and work in unison to enhance the scalable qualities of your computing infrastructure. How can you plan K8s hardware infrastructure effectively?

Person upgrading computer hardware components.

Server hardware should be customized to support Kubernetes.

Building Hardware Solutions To Support Kubernetes Efficiency

Modern applications continue to add functionality that increases complexity. Users can now leverage features like AI and machine learning in the cloud. These advanced capabilities require a high-performance computing infrastructure that can handle requests from many devices simultaneously. What does an effective K8s infrastructure look like?

  1. Scalable. The hardware solution must be built to support many devices and scale with ease. Kubernetes uses the desired state model where work is distributed among autonomous nodes to reach ideal deployment based on the configuration file. Your infrastructure must therefore support hyperscaling to keep up with K8s needs.
  2. Resilient. Kubernetes is resilient to node and network partition failures. However, your hardware infrastructure must also handle failures well to leverage the full benefits of K8s. Common failure protection strategies include robust backup strategies, adaptive failover switching, and live migration capabilities.
  3. Transparent. Kubernetes is well suited for distributed computing models, making unified system management very important. System administrators need full visibility into both compute resources and K8s pod view of the storage bindings.

To ensure you get the most out of Kubernetes, it’s essential that your computing infrastructure have these characteristics. However, designing and deploying the necessary hardware is another challenge.

Leveraging Hardware Partner Expertise for Seamless Kubernetes Deployment

Deploying distributed hardware has many logistics hurdles. Teams must source modular hardware that is consistent across locations and compliant with local regulations. It requires hardware expertise and supplier relations that many firms may not possess.

Equus Compute can help you develop powerful custom hardware solutions. We provide full-lifecycle hardware management that delivers needed support from design to decommissioning. If you’re curious about how leveraging our extensive supplier relationships can save you money and speed up deployment, let’s talk.

Category

Share This:

Related Posts

Uncategorized

Navigating Cybersecurity: What is the Zero Trust Approach?

Cyberattacks are too common to just play defense. Learn how Zero Trust security can help you proactively protect your network...
Read More
Data Management Infrastructure

Storage Solutions for Massive Data Sets: The Backbone of Tomorrow’s AI

High-capacity and low-latency storage is key to managing the never-ending growth in data. Learn how different storage solutions are tailor-made...
Read More
Technology Education Featured Content

The Future of ESG as a Service

Climate disclosure reporting will mean significant changes for business. Learn how proactive companies can claim their strategic advantage during this...
Read More
Press Room Featured Content

Equus Compute Solutions Announces Strategic Partnership with Zscaler

By leveraging Zscaler’s industry leading Zero Trust Exchange™ platform, Equus Compute Solutions can provide its customers with seamless, secure access...
Read More
Data Management Featured Content Technology Education

Immersion and Liquid Cooling in Data Centers: A Dive into Efficiency and Innovation

High-performance computing requires heat dissipation methods that are efficient and cost-effective. Learn how immersion and liquid cooling promote data center...
Read More
AI Featured Content Infrastructure

Secure AI Training: When On-Premise Beats the Cloud

AI model training requires immense amounts of data. Learn how on-premise infrastructure gives you control over data privacy and improves...
Read More
Servers Featured Content Infrastructure Technology Education

Unleashing the Potential: The Benefits of Upgrading from SQL Server 2012

SQL Server 2012 is coming to an end. Learn how upgrading to SQL Server 2022 could benefit your business aside...
Read More
Infrastructure Featured Content Hardware

Why is Zero Trust security key to unlocking the modern workplace?

The modern workplace has accelerated the need for an updated approach to security. Learn how Zero Trust security is helping...
Read More
Featured Content Storage

Solidigm and Equus Compute Solutions Partner to Showcase the Latest in Storage Solutions

New technologies like AI and machine learning, as well as expanding 5G infrastructure, are driving an exponential increase in data...
Read More