Best Container Networking Software for Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

Calico is a versatile open-source solution designed for networking and securing containers, virtual machines, and workloads on native hosts. It is compatible with a wide array of platforms such as Kubernetes, OpenShift, Mirantis Kubernetes Engine (MKE), OpenStack, and even bare metal environments. Users can choose between leveraging Calico's eBPF data plane or utilizing the traditional networking pipeline of Linux, ensuring exceptional performance and true scalability tailored for cloud-native applications. Both developers and cluster administrators benefit from a uniform experience and a consistent set of features, whether operating in public clouds or on-premises, on a single node, or across extensive multi-node clusters. Additionally, Calico offers flexibility in data planes, featuring options like a pure Linux eBPF data plane, a conventional Linux networking data plane, and a Windows HNS data plane. No matter if you are inclined toward the innovative capabilities of eBPF or the traditional networking fundamentals familiar to seasoned system administrators, Calico accommodates all preferences and needs effectively. Ultimately, this adaptability makes Calico a compelling choice for organizations seeking robust networking solutions.

Optimize and simplify the management of Kubernetes (north-south) network traffic to ensure reliable, consistent performance at scale, all while maintaining the speed of your applications. Employ advanced application-centric configurations by utilizing role-based access control (RBAC) alongside self-service options to establish security guardrails, allowing your teams to manage their applications with both security and agility. This approach fosters multi-tenancy and reusability while offering simpler configurations and additional benefits. With a native, type-safe, and indented configuration style, you can streamline functionalities such as circuit breaking, advanced routing, header manipulation, mTLS authentication, and WAF. Furthermore, if you're currently utilizing NGINX, the NGINX Ingress resources facilitate a seamless transition of your existing configurations from other environments, enhancing your overall operational efficiency. This not only simplifies your network management but also empowers your development teams to innovate faster.