Exploring new AWS EKS auto mode. What is it ? Why it is useful ? How to quick start ?

What is AWS EKS Auto Mode?

Amazon EKS Auto Mode is a feature introduced by AWS to simplify the management of Kubernetes clusters by automating key aspects of cluster infrastructure. This includes compute, storage, and networking, providing a more hands-off approach to running Kubernetes on AWS. With EKS Auto Mode, AWS takes over responsibilities like node scaling, OS patching, and optimizing compute costs, which traditionally require significant administrative effort from the user side.

Why is EKS Auto Mode Useful?

Reduced Operational Overhead: EKS Auto Mode reduces the need for deep Kubernetes expertise, as AWS handles routine cluster management tasks. This allows teams to focus more on application development rather than on infrastructure maintenance.

Cost Efficiency: By dynamically scaling resources based on demand, EKS Auto Mode helps in optimizing costs, ensuring you only pay for what you use without over-provisioning.

Enhanced Security: Automated updates and patching ensure that your cluster environment stays secure with the latest security fixes without manual intervention.

High Availability: EKS Auto Mode leverages AWS's infrastructure to provide high availability across multiple Availability Zones, ensuring resilience and uptime for your applications.

Simplified Cluster Management: It simplifies the deployment of new workloads and the management of existing ones by automating node provisioning, scaling, and health maintenance.

How to Quick Start with EKS Auto Mode

Here's a straightforward guide to get started with EKS Auto Mode:

Prerequisites:

• Ensure you have an AWS account and appropriate permissions to create EKS clusters.
• Install and configure the AWS CLI, kubectl, and eksctl on your machine.

Create an EKS Auto Mode Cluster Using the AWS Management Console:

• Log into the AWS Management Console.
• Navigate to the Amazon EKS service.
• Click on "Add cluster" and choose "Create cluster".
• Select "Auto Mode" under cluster configuration options.
• Follow the prompts to specify your cluster name, Kubernetes version, and network configuration. AWS will handle setting up the VPC or you can choose an existing one.
• Review your settings and create the cluster. AWS will manage the setup of necessary roles and networking.

Using the AWS CLI or eksctl:

• For AWS CLI:

aws eks create-cluster --name my-auto-mode-cluster --enable-auto-mode

• For eksctl:

eksctl create cluster --name=my-auto-mode-cluster --enable-auto-mode

Post-Creation Steps:

• After the cluster is created, update your kubectl configuration to interact with your new EKS cluster:

aws eks update-kubeconfig --name my-auto-mode-cluster

• You can now deploy your applications or try deploying a sample application to see how EKS Auto Mode scales resources automatically.

Monitor and Manage:

• Use the EKS console, AWS CLI, or kubectl to monitor your cluster's health and performance. EKS Auto Mode will automatically scale nodes based on workload demands.

By leveraging EKS Auto Mode, you can benefit from AWS's managed services expertise, reducing the complexities typically associated with Kubernetes cluster management. This allows organizations to focus more on innovation and less on infrastructure management.

Learn more:
1/ Main doc
2/ User guide
3/ pricing

Sample config details: