• Schedulers

    Pods are not assigned to any node when they are first created; it is the job of the scheduler to assign the pod to a node. A scheduler watches the apiServer for pods that have no value in the spec.nodeName field. The scheduler finds the most suitable node for a... more

  • Namespace LimitRange

    A LimitRange object is used by cluster administrators to set default request and limit values for containers within a namespace. And minimum and maximum values for containers and pods within a namespace. If you’re unfamiliar with container requests and limits within Kubernetes; click here. Configuration a containers requests and limits... more

  • Kubernetes, Container Resource Requests and Limits

    Container CPU and Memory requests and limits configuration guarantees a minimum amount of resources to a container and sets a maximum consumable amount. Resource Configuration Values Memory is measured in bytes and expressed as an integer or using a fixed point integer. For example; memory: 1 is 1 byte, memory:... more

  • Kubernetes, Master Service Logging

    I noticed that none of the Kubernetes services are writing logs to /var/log/ on the master nodes. I built my lab with kubeadm and a reasonably basic configuration file, just the settings needed to make it work. The configuration file contained just enough information to build the lab and make... more

  • Kubernetes, Static Pods

    Static pods are like regular pods, except they are managed by the kubelet service on a node and not the API server. The kubelet creates a mirror pod on the API server, which is a read-only copy that allows the pod to be seen on the API server but not... more

  • Kubernetes, Daemonsets

    A DaemonSet is an object which ensures that there is a copy of a pod running on each node. This type of object is commonly used to deploy pods which provide a management service, such as log collection daemons or monitoring daemons to provide data to a solution such as... more

  • Kubernetes, Labels and Selectors

    Labels are a key/value formatted peice of metadata attached to an object within Kubernetes. Labels provide additional information about the object with relevance to the consumer or object. For example, a label can specify hardware characteristics of a node or if a workload is for testing of production. Labels implicitly... more

  • Kubernetes, BYO workflows for efficent administration

    I’ve recently started learning Kubernetes, working through the CKA curriculum and performing various administrative tasks. During my study so far, I have found that there are a lot of manual steps involved when looking at an end to end process. Often the process required to achieve an outcome requires the... more

  • VCAP7-CMA Objective 2.5

    Build Performance Requirements into the Logical Design

    Performance requirements play a significant role in the architecture and configuration of a vRA design. Understanding the capacity limits and functions of each component within the vRA solution will help you design a suitable architecture to meet the clients needs. It can be challenging to understand the expected load if... more

  • Host rules with Business Intent

    vROPS 7.0 launched with a feature called Business Intent which controls workload placement based on vSphere tags Announcement. This feature tackles several use cases one being controlling the host placement of workloads which have physical licencing requirements. Business Intent settings are configured at the data centre (or custom datacenter) level... more

  • VCAP7-CMA Objective 2.4

    Build Manageability Requirements into the Logical Design

    Manageability requirements cover monitoring and maintaining a solution from both complexity and capability perspective. Other requirements can impact how the manageability requirements are met as part of the design. To provide HA functionality, redundant components need to be deployed plus load balancing, this increases the complexity of management. A management... more

  • vRA Hardening Check

    VMware does a great job of releasing hardening guides for its products, helping us to improve the security level of our deployments. If you’re in a position where you need to implement the hardened settings, then it’s likely there’s an audit process to follow. I have been working on a... more

  • Build Day Live! Supermicro - Big Twin

    The Build Day Live! for Supermicro where they built and configured a vSAN cluster on a Supermicro BigTwin. This post is not a review of the build day video, instead focuses on products discussed throughout the build day video to provide thoughts and opinions on Supermicro’s offerings. Build Day Live!... more

  • Adding vRA Replica Stuck

    Recently when attempting to add additional vRA appliances to a 7.4 cluster, I came across an issue where the process became stuck. After clicking Join Cluster the on screen status became stuck at 48% with the message Finishing rabbitmq-server. The node was left alone for a couple of hours, but... more

  • Enter the Panda

    Ducky Miya Mini Pro Panda review

    I’d been looking for a new keyboard to replace the Apple Wireless keyboard for a couple of months. Due to my work, I needed something portable that I could fit in my backpack. My search was for something around the TKL size, with either a detachable cable or wireless. The... more