Kubernetes – Service DNS

An open-source container orchestration system called Kubernetes is primarily employed for the automated deployment, scaling, and management of software. Another name for Kubernetes is K8s. Initially created by Google, Kubernetes is currently maintained by the Cloud Native Computing Foundation. Although it now supports both containers and CRI-O in addition to the Docker runtime with which it was first intended to communicate.

Automating the operational chores of container management is Kubernetes’ primary goal. It has built-in commands for application deployment and rolling out necessary modifications to the application. Companies like Google, Spotify, and Capital One are now using it.

What is DNS ?

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is a system for giving different types of information with unique easy to remember names. It is useful to give a lightweight mechanism for service discoveries. Due to the built-in service discovery, it is easy for applications to communicate with each other in Kubernetes clusters.

What is Kubernetes Services DNS ?

In Kubernetes DNS record is created for both Services and Pods. we can use consistent DNS names instead of IP addresses to contact services. After scheduling a DNS Pod and Service on the cluster, Kubernetes DNS instructs the kubernetes to tell the individual containers to use the DNS Service’s IP to resolve DNS names. Every service that is defined in a cluster is given a DNS name, this includes the DNS server itself. The client Pod’s search list will include the Pod’s own name and cluster definition by default.

Namespaces of Services

A DNS query may return different results. The returned value is based on the namespace of the Pod that is making it. It is not specified by DNS queries that the namespace is limited to DNS queries. Think of a data service in the prod namespace and a pod in the test namespace. Due to the usage of the pod’s test name case, a query for data yields no results, while a query for data does. Prod produces the desired outcome because the namespace is provided there.

DNS Records

DNS records are just like an address book for the internet, it translates the domain names into the IP address that computer can be understandable. It includes various types of records such as A records that used for pointing a domain to a specific IP address, MX records that used for email servers, and CNAME records that used for aliasing one domain to another. Proper management of DNS records is crucial for establishing smooth internet connectivity and service accessibility.

What Is CoreDNS ?

CoreDNS is a flexible DNS server that is developed in go language. It is designed for modern cloud native environments that comes with modular architecture. It supports various plugins and will be supportive for customizing for different use cases. Its gaining popularity with diverse platforms beyond the kubernetes.

Difference Between Kube-DNS And CoreDNS

The following are the difference between kube-DNS and CoreDNS:

Feature	Kube DNS	CoreDNS
Architecture	Based on skyDNS, primarily designed for Kubernetes clusters	General-purpose DNS server with a modular design
Extensibility	Limited extensibility and customization options	Highly extensible via middleware plugins
Performance	Optimized for Kubernetes workloads with efficient service discovery	Efficient performance with configurable caching
Flexibility	Primarily designed for Kubernetes environments	Suitable for various environments and use cases
Adoption	Widely adopted within the Kubernetes ecosystem	Gaining popularity outside of Kubernetes as well

Configuration Files: CoreFile

The CoreFile is a configuration file that is used for DNS servers. It contains the definition and configurations regarding how CoreDNS should operate. It includes which plugins to use, their order and configuration parameters. Its simple syntax and modular design facilitates users to use coreDNS to their specific needs.

DNS For Services And Pods

DNS for services and pods are vital for communication within the cluster for having communication with their names.

• DNS For Services: It enables the support of establishing communication between the services through their names. It will map the name of service with respective their IP address and lets to have communication with names instead of IP addresses.

• DNS For Pods: It facilitates intra-cluster communication of pods with their hostnames instead of having with their IP addresses. It lets pods can communicate with each other using these hostnames without the needing to known their IP addresses directly with providing abstraction in networking.

Kubernetes Service DNS

We can set up a DNS system with two well-supported add-ons namely CoreDNS and KubeDNS. The CoreDNS feature is one of the best and latest add on, and it acts as a default DNS server. Both the add-ons can schedule a DNS pod or pods or services with a static IO on the cluster and both are named as kube dns in the metadata. name field.

Types of DNS Services

The types of DNS Services are listed as follows:

1. A/AAAA Records

2. SRV Records

A/AAAA Records

Normal services are assigned to a DNS A or AAAA record. For a name of the type my-svc.my-namespace.svc.cluster-domain.example, this will resolve to the cluster IP of the Service. This relies on the IP family of the Services.

Additionally, dependent on the IP family of the service, headless services are given a DNS A or AAAA record with the name of the format my-svc.my-namespace.svc.cluster-domain.example. This will resolve to the collection of pod IPs that the service has chosen.

SRV Records

They were primarily developed for named ports that were essential to Headless Services or regular services. Every named port will have an SRV record of the format _my-port-name. my-port-protocol.my-svc.my-namespace.svc.cluster-domain.example. This resolves to the port number and, in the case of a typical service, the domain name my-svc.my-namespace.svc.cluster-domain.example.

Pods

A/AAAA Records

A/AAAA records are essential components in DNS server. It helps in mapping the domain names to IPV4 address ( A records ) and IPv6 ( AAAA records ) addresses. In the context of kubernetes pods, these records plays a vital role in enabling the communication within the cluster and with external services. A records handles the IPv4 addresses and AAAA records handles the IPV6 addresses facilitates in ensuring a seamless connectivity for pods across different network environments. Proper management of A/AAAA records is vital for maintaining a robust networking and ensuring a smooth operation of kubernetes workloads.

Features of DNS services

The main features of DNS services are:

• It can be used to map to a new IP address if the host’s IP address is ever changed.

• It is easier to remember when compared to the IP address.

• It allows organizations to use a domain name hierarchy that is independent of any IP address provided.

DNS search Domain List Limits

The DNS search Domain List Limits refers to the maximum number of domains that be included in the search domain list configuration. This list will be used by DNS resolvers to expand the short, unqualified names into fully qualified domain names by appending each domain in the list in order. Exceeding this limit will raise the issues with the DNS resolvers in correctly searching the domain names.

Customizing DNS Service

Customization of DNS service in a network involves in configuring the DNS servers that will be suitable for specific needs. It may include in setting up the custom domain names, integrating with external DNS providers. By implementing DNS based security measures like DNS filtering facilitates with optimizing the performance of the DNS resolution. It facilitates with ensuring efficient and secure resolutions of domain names across the network infrastructure.

Using CoreDNS for Service Discovery

CoreDNS is a powerful service discovery in kubernetes environment. By configuring CoreDNS as the DNS server in kubernetes we can efficiently establish the communication with services names resolving the IP challenges. In behind it maps the name of the services with respective their IP addresses. Using coreDNS we can simplify the networking and can it be abstracted within the kubernetes cluster. It will enhance the reliability and scalability of the infrastructure.

How to Configure DNS for A Cluster ? A Step-By-Step Guide

The following are the steps for configuring DNS for a Kubernetes Cluster:

Step 1 : Choose DNS Solution

• Select the DNS solution like CoreDNS or kube-DNS on considering its compatibility with the kubernetes version and the specific requirements.

Step 2: Install DNS Add-on

• Deploy the chosen DNS add-on to the kubernetes cluster using appropriate deployment method such as YAML manifests or package managers like Helm.

Step 3: Customize Configuration

• Try to modify the configuration file of the DNS server as per the requirements that suits for the cluster’s requirements. It involves in adjusting the DNS policies, specifying the custom DNS providers or configuring additional plugins.

Step 4: Update CoreDNS/CoreFile

• If the using the DNS server is CoreDNS then update the CoreFile for defining the DNS zones, plugins, and upstream resolvers as per needed. Make ensure that the desired changes are reflected on DNS behaviour for the cluster.

Step 5: Verify Configuration

• Now, test the configurations by resolving its domain names from within the cluster and ensuring that the DNS queries are properly routed to the DNS service.

Step 6: Monitor and Maintain

• By regularly maintaining the DNS performances, we can resolve any issues promptly. Maintained of DNS configurations by updating it respective to the cluster evolves is recommended practice.

Pod’s DNS Policy

Pod’s policy in kubernetes facilitates in ensuring how DNS resolution should be conducted within the cluster. By default, pods inherit the DNS settings from the node. They are facilitating the resolution through node’s DNS configuration. Alternatively administrators can specify the policies like ClusterFirst or Default provides the consistency across pods and optimizes the network reliability and communication efficiency.

Trouble Shooting Issues of Kubernetes DNS

The following are some of the troubleshooting issues of kubernetes DNS:

• Check Pod Network: Ensure that pod networking is correctly configured and functioning. DNS resolution relies on network connectivity between pods and DNS services.

• Verify DNS Service: Confirm that the DNS service is running and healthy within the Kubernetes cluster. Check for any errors or warnings in the DNS service logs.

• DNS Configurations: Review DNS configurations, such as ConfigMaps and CoreDNS settings, for any misconfigurations or conflicts. Ensure that DNS policies align with the cluster’s requirements.

• Pod Resolvability: Verify that pods can resolve DNS names both within and outside the cluster. Test DNS resolution from various pods to ensure consistency and correctness.

Best Practices of Kubernetes External DNS

The following are the best practices of Kubernetes External DNS:

• Automate DNS Management: Utilize tools like ExternalDNS to automate the creation and management of DNS records for Kubernetes resources, ensuring consistency and reducing manual errors.

• Secure DNS Configuration: Implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms for interacting with the external DNS provider to prevent unauthorized changes and ensure the security of DNS configurations.

• Use Consistent DNS Naming: Leverage Kubernetes DNS capabilities to provide consistent DNS names for Services and Pods, enabling seamless communication between components without relying on IP addresses.

• Monitor DNS Health: Regularly monitor the health and performance of External DNS services to detect and address any issues promptly. Monitoring can include checking DNS resolution latency, error rates, and overall service availability.