Description: A Kubernetes node is a working machine within the Kubernetes ecosystem, which can be either physical or virtual. Each node is responsible for running containers and hosting the necessary resources for their operation. In a Kubernetes cluster, nodes are grouped to form a scalable and resilient infrastructure, where each can be managed independently. Nodes contain essential components that enable container orchestration, such as the container runtime (Docker, containerd, etc.), the kubelet, which handles communication with the control plane, and the kube-proxy, which manages networking and service access. The capacity of a node can vary, allowing them to adjust to different workloads and performance requirements. This flexibility is crucial for cloud cost optimization, as it enables organizations to scale their resources efficiently, using only what they need at any given time. In public, private, or hybrid cloud environments, Kubernetes nodes are fundamental for deploying modern applications, facilitating microservices management and edge computing, which in turn enhances agility and responsiveness to changes in market demand.
