Jump to contentJump to page navigation: previous page [access key p]/next page [access key n]
documentation.suse.com / Layered Stack Deployment of Rancher Kubernetes Engine / Component model
Applies to SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP3, Rancher Kubernetes Engine 1.2.16

4 Component model

This section describes the various components being used to create a Rancher Kubernetes Engine solution deployment, in the perspective of top to bottom ordering. When completed, the Rancher Kubernetes Engine instance can be used as the application infrastructure for cloud-native workloads and can be imported into SUSE Rancher for management.

4.1 Component overview

By using:

  • Kubernetes Platform - Rancher Kubernetes Engine

  • Operating System - SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

  • Compute Platform

    • Dell EMC PowerEdge

you can create the necessary infrastructure and services. Further details for these components are described in the following sections.

4.2 Software - Rancher Kubernetes Engine

Rancher Kubernetes Engine is a CNCF-certified Kubernetes distribution that runs entirely within Docker containers. It solves the common frustration of installation complexity with Kubernetes by removing most host dependencies and presenting a stable path for deployment, upgrades, and rollbacks.

With Rancher Kubernetes Engine [RKE], the operation of Kubernetes is easily automated and entirely independent of the operating system and platform you are running. As long as you can run a supported version of Docker, you can deploy and run Kubernetes with RKE. It builds a cluster from a single command in a few minutes, and its declarative configuration makes Kubernetes upgrades atomic and safe.

What is provided with Rancher Kubernetes Engine
  • CNCF Certification

    • Rancher Kubernetes Engine CNCF certification means that every release supports the same APIs as upstream Kubernetes. This gives enterprises the confidence that their Kubernetes resources are portable between RKE and other CNCF-certified Kubernetes distributions.

  • Simplified installation

    • Installation is via a single binary and it uses a single YAML file, meaning that even non-experts can deploy Kubernetes with a single command. The command connects to remote hosts via SSH, so Rancher or any staff member with SSH access can deploy and manage RKE instances anywhere in the world.

  • Automated Operation

    • When used with SUSE Rancher, operators can perform automated installation and upgrades of RKE clusters with a few clicks.

  • Vendor Independence

    • RKE is not locked into a specific vendor operating system, Kubernetes Management Platform or proprietary tooling.

  • Safe, Atomic Upgrades

    • Since RKE is built using containers, it does not have any touch points with the underlying operating system beyond the container engine. Containers make it easy to upgrade to a new version and to roll back to the previous version if necessary.

  • 24x7 Enterprise-level Support

    • Ensures around-the-clock support from technical experts when you need it.

The fundamental roles for the nodes and core functionality of Rancher Kubernetes Engine are represented in the following figure:

RKE1 overview
Figure 4.1: Component Overview - Rancher Kubernetes Engine
  • Kubernetes API Server,

    • interacts with kubelet on all the nodes, plus addresses authentication, user interface (UI), command line interface (CLI) and API for external access and cluster management via SUSE Rancher cluster controller to agent

While all Rancher Kubernetes Engine roles can be installed on a single system, for the best availability, performance and security, the recommended deployment of a Rancher Kubernetes Engine cluster is a pair of nodes for the control plane role, at least three etcd role-based nodes and three or more worker nodes.

Rancher Kubernetes Engine can run as a complete cluster on a single node or can be expanded into a multi-node cluster. Besides the core Kubernetes components, these are also configurable and included:

  • Multiple Kubernetes versions

  • CoreDNS, Metrics, Ingress controller

  • CNI : Canal, Calico, Flannel, Weave

  • Support for a Windows worker agent node (only with Flannel)

  • Fleet Agent : for GitOps deployment of cloud-native applications

All of these components are configurable and can be swapped out for your implementation of choice. With these included components, you get a fully functional and CNCF-conformant cluster so you can start running apps right away.

Tip
Tip

Learn more information about Rancher Kubernetes Engine at https://rancher.com/docs/rke/latest/en/.

While all Rancher Kubernetes Engine roles can be installed on a single system, a multi-node cluster, is a more production-like approach and will be described in the deployment section.

Tip
Tip

To improve availability, performance and security, the recommended deployment of a Rancher Kubernetes Engine cluster is a pair of nodes for the control plane role, at least three etcd role-based nodes and three or more worker nodes.

4.3 Software - SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) is an adaptable and easy-to-manage platform that allows developers and administrators to deploy business-critical workloads on-premises, in the cloud and at the edge. It is a Linux operating system that is adaptable to any environment – optimized for performance, security and reliability. As a multimodal operating system that paves the way for IT transformation in the software-defined era, this simplifies multimodal IT, makes traditional IT infrastructure efficient and provides an engaging platform for developers. As a result, one can easily deploy and transition business-critical workloads across on-premises and public cloud environments.

Designed for interoperability, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server integrates into classical Unix and Windows environments, supports open standard interfaces for systems management, and has been certified for IPv6 compatibility. This modular, general purpose operating system runs on four processor architectures and is available with optional extensions that provide advanced capabilities for tasks such as real time computing and high availability clustering. SUSE Linux Enterprise Server is optimized to run as a high performing guest on leading hypervisors and supports an unlimited number of virtual machines per physical system with a single subscription. This makes it the perfect guest operating system for virtual computing.

4.4 Compute Platform

Leveraging the enterprise grade functionality of the operating system mentioned in the previous section, many compute platforms can be the foundation of the deployment:

  • Virtual machines on supported hypervisors or hosted on cloud service providers

  • Physical, baremetal or single-board computers, either on-premises or hosted by cloud service providers

Note
Note

To complete self-testing of hardware with SUSE YES Certified Process, you can download and install the respective SUSE operating system support-pack version of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server and the YES test suite. Then run the tests per the instructions in the test kit, fixing any problems encountered and when corrected, re-run all tests to obtain clean test results. Submit the test results into the SUSE Bulletin System (SBS) for audit, review and validation.

Tip
Tip

Certified systems and hypervisors can be verified via SUSE YES Certified Bulletins and then can be leveraged as supported nodes for this deployment, as long as the certification refers to the respective version of the underlying SUSE operating system required.

Dell EMC PowerEdge Rack Servers help you build a modern infrastructure that minimizes IT challenges and drives business success. Choose from a complete portfolio of 1, 2, and 4-socket rack servers to deliver high core density for your traditional applications, virtualization, and cloud-native workloads. Enhanced memory speeds, faster NVMe storage options, and BIOS tuning allows you to match performance to your workload for ultimate efficiency

4.4.1 Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 Rack Servers

Note
Note

The EMC PowerEdge R640 is SUSE YES Certified Hardware.

Uncompromising performance and density

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 is the ideal dual-socket, 1U platform for dense scale-out data center computing. The R640 combines density, performance and scalability to optimize application performance and data center density

  • CPU : Up to two 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors with up to 28 cores per processor

  • Accelerators : Up to one single-width FPGA, Up to three single-width GPU (NVIDIA T4)

  • Memory

    • Speed : DIMM Speed (Up to 2933MT/s)

    • Type : RDIMM, LRDIMM, NVDIMM, DCPMM (Intel Optane) DC persistent memory)

    • Module Slots : 24 DDR4 DIMM slots (12 NVDIMM or 12 DCPMM only) Supports registered ECC DDR4 DIMMs only

    • RAM : RDIMM 1.53TB, LRDIMM 3TB, NVDIMM 192GB, DCPMM 6.14TB (7.68TB with LRDIMM)

  • Storage

    • Front Bays : Up to 10 x 2.5” with up to 8 NVMe, SAS/SATA/SSD/NVMe, max 76.8TB

      • Up to 10 NVMe, max 64TB

      • Up to 4 x 3.5” SAS/SATA, max 56T

    • Rear Bays : Up to 2 x 2.5” SAS/SATA/SSD/NVMe, max 15.36TB

Tip
Tip

For more information, see Dell EMC PowerEdge R640 Datasheet

Maximize application performance and density

The scalable business architecture of the R640 is designed to maximize application performance and provide the flexibility to optimize configurations based on the application and use case. With the R640 you can create an NVMe cache pool and use either 2.5” or 3.5” drives for data storage. Combined with up to 24 DIMM’s, 12 of which can be DCPMMs or NVDIMMs, you have the resources to maximize application performance with the optimum configuration in only a 1U chassis.

  • Simplify deployments and speed deployments with Dell EMC ready nodes for ScaleIO and VSAN.

  • Maximize storage performance with up to 10 NVMe drives or 12 2.5” drives.

  • Scale compute resources with 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors and tailor performance based on your unique workload requirements.

Automate maintenance with Dell EMC OpenManage

The Dell EMC OpenManage portfolio helps deliver peak efficiency for EMC PowerEdge servers, delivering intelligent, automated management of routine tasks. Combined with unique agent-free management capabilities, the R640 is simply managed, freeing up time for high profile projects.

  • Simplify management with the OpenManage Enterprise console, with customized reporting and automatic discovery.

  • Take advantage of QuickSync 2 capabilities and gain access to your servers easily through your phone or tablet.

Guard your data center with built in security

Every EMC PowerEdge server is designed as part of a cyber resilient architecture, integrating security into the full server life cycle. The R640 leverages new security features built-into every new EMC PowerEdge server strengthening protection so you can reliably and securely deliver accurate data to your customers no matter where they are. By considering each aspect of system security, from design to retirement, Dell EMC ensures trust and delivers a worry-free, secure infrastructure without compromise.

  • Rely on a secure component supply chain to ensure protection from factory to the data center.

  • Maintain data safety with cryptographically signed firmware packages and Secure Boot.

  • Prevent unauthorized or malicious change with Server Lockdown.

  • Wipe all data from storage media including hard drives, SSDs and system memory quickly and securely with System Erase.

4.4.2 Dell EMC PowerEdge R740 Rack Servers

Note
Note

The EMC PowerEdge R740 is SUSE YES Certified Hardware.

Optimized for workload acceleration

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R740 is designed to accelerate application performance leveraging accelerator card and storage scalability. The 2-socket, 2U platform has the optimum balance of resources to power the most demanding environments

  • CPU : Up to two 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors with up to 28 cores per processor

  • Accelerator : Up to three 300W or six 150W GPUs, Up to three double-width or four single-width FPGAs

  • Memory

    • Type : RDIMM, LRDIMM, NVDIMM, DCPMM (Intel Optane DC persistent memory)

    • Module Slots : 24 DDR4 DIMM slots (12 NVDIMM or 12 DCPMM only), Supports registered ECC DDR4 DIMMs only

    • RAM : RDIMM 1.53TB, LRDIMM 3TB, NVDIMM 192GB, DCPMM 6.14TB (7.68TB with LRDIMM)

  • Storage : Front Bays: Up to 16 x 2.5” SAS/SATA/SSD, max 122.88TB, Up to 8 x 3.5” SAS/SATA, max 128TB

Tip
Tip

For more information, see Dell EMC PowerEdge R740 Rack Servers

Expand and optimize application performance

The scalable business architecture of the R740 can scale up to three 300W or six 150W GPUs, or up to three double-width or four single-width FPGAs. With up to 16 2.5” drives or 8 3.5” drives the R740 provides the versatility to adapt to virtually any application and provides the perfect platform for VDI deployments.

  • Scale your VDI deployments with 3 double-width GPUs, supporting up to 50% more users when compared to R730.

  • Free up storage space using internal M.2 SSDs optimized for boot.

  • Scale compute resources with 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors and tailor performance based on your unique workload requirements.

Automate systems management with OpenManage

The Dell EMC OpenManage portfolio helps deliver peak efficiency for EMC PowerEdge servers, delivering intelligent, automated management of routine tasks. Combined with unique agent-free management capabilities, the R740 is simply managed, freeing up time for high profile projects.

  • Simplify management with the New OpenManage Enterprise console, with customized reporting and automatic discovery.

  • Take advantage of QuickSync 2 capabilities and gain access to your servers easily through your phone or tablet.

Rely on EMC PowerEdge with built-in security

Every EMC PowerEdge server is designed as part of a cyber resilient architecture, integrating security into the full server lifecycle. The R740 leverages new security features built-into every new EMC PowerEdge server strengthening protection so you can reliably and securely deliver accurate data to your customers no matter where they are. By considering each aspect of system security, from design to retirement, Dell EMC ensures trust and delivers a worry-free, secure infrastructure without compromise.

  • Rely on a secure component supply chain to ensure protection from factory to the data center.

  • Maintain data safety with cryptographically signed firmware packages and Secure Boot.

  • Prevent unauthorized or malicious change with Server Lockdown.

  • Wipe all data from storage media including hard drives, SSDs and system memory quickly and securely with System Erase

4.4.3 Dell EMC PowerEdge R650 Rack Servers

Note
Note

The EMC PowerEdge R650 is SUSE YES Certified Hardware.

Compelling performance, high scalability, and density

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R650 is a full-featured enterprise server, designed to optimize workloads performance and data center density

  • CPU : Up to two 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, with up to 40 cores per processor

  • Memory : 32 DDR4 DIMM slots, supports RDIMM 2 TB max or LRDIMM 4 TB max, speeds up to 3200 MT/s, Up to 16 Intel Persistent Memory 200 series (BPS) slots, 8 TB max, Supports registered ECC DDR4 DIMMs only

  • Storage Controllers

    • Internal controllers: PERC H745, HBA355I, S150, H345, H755, H755N

    • Boot Optimized Storage Subsystem (BOSS-S2): HW RAID 2 x M.2 SSDs 240 GB or 480 GB

    • External PERC (RAID): PERC H840, HBA355E

  • Drive Bays

    • Front bays : Up to 10 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 153 TB, Up to 4 x 3.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) max 64 TB, Up to 8 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 122.8 TB

    • Rear bays : Up to 2 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 30.7 TB

Tip
Tip

For more information, see Dell EMC PowerEdge R650 Datasheet

Innovate at scale with challenging and emerging workloads

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R650, powered by the 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors is the optimal rack server to address application performance and acceleration. The EMC PowerEdge R650, is a dual-socket/1U rack server that delivers outstanding performance for the most demanding workloads. It supports 8 channels of memory per CPU, and up to 32 DDR4 DIMMs @ 3200 MT/s speeds. In addition, to address substantial throughput improvements the EMC PowerEdge R650 supports PCIe Gen 4 and up to 10 NVMe drives with improved air-cooling features and optional Direct Liquid Cooling to support increasing power and thermal requirements. This makes the EMC PowerEdge R650 an ideal server for data center standardization on a wide range of workloads including; Database and Analytics, HighFrequency Trading, Traditional corporate IT, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, and even HPC or AI/ML environments that require performance, and GPU support in a dense 1U form factor

Increase efficiency and accelerate operations with autonomous collaboration

The Dell EMC OpenManage systems management portfolio tames the complexity of managing and securing IT infrastructure. Using Dell Technologies’ intuitive end-to-end tools, IT can deliver a secure, integrated experience by reducing process and information silos in order to focus on growing the business. The Dell EMC OpenManage portfolio is the key to your innovation engine, unlocking the tools and automation that help you scale, manage, and protect your technology environment.

  • Built-in telemetry streaming, thermal management, and RESTful API with Redfish offer streamlined visibility and control for better server management

  • Intelligent automation lets you enable cooperation between human actions and system capabilities for added productivity

  • Integrated change management capabilities for update planning and seamless, zero-touch configuration and implementation

  • Full-stack management integration with Microsoft, VMware, ServiceNow, Ansible and many other tools

Protect your data assets and infrastructure with proactive resilience

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R650 server is designed with a cyber-resilient architecture, integrating security deeply into every phase in the lifecycle, from design to retirement.

  • Operate your workloads on a secure platform anchored by cryptographically trusted booting and silicon root of trust

  • Maintain server firmware safety with digitally signed firmware packages

  • Prevent unauthorized configuration or firmware change with system lockdown

  • Securely and quickly wipe all data from storage media, including hard drives, SSDs and system memory with System Erase

4.4.4 Dell EMC PowerEdge R750 Rack Servers

Note
Note

The EMC PowerEdge R750 is SUSE YES Certified Hardware.

General purpose server optimized to address the most demanding workloads

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R750 is a full-featured enterprise server, delivering outstanding performance for the most demanding workloads

  • CPU : Up to two 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, with up to 40 cores per processor

  • Memory : 32 DDR4 DIMM slots, supports RDIMM 2 TB max or LRDIMM 8 TB max, speeds up to 3200 MT/s, Up to 16 Intel Persistent Memory 200 series (BPS) slots, 8 TB max, Supports registered ECC DDR4 DIMMs only

  • Storage Controllers

    • Internal controllers : PERC H745, HBA355I, S150, H345, H755, H755N

    • Boot Optimized Storage Subsystem (BOSS-S2): HW RAID 2 x M.2 SSDs 240 GB or 480 GB

    • External PERC (RAID): PERC H840, HBA355E

  • Drive Bays

    • Front bays : Up to 12 x 3.5-inch SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD) max 192 TB, Up to 8 x 2.5-inch NVMe (SSD) max 122.88 TB, Up to 16 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 245.76 TB, Up to 24 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 368.84 TB

    • Rear bays : Rear bays: Up to 2 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 30.72 TB, Up to 4 x 2.5-inch SAS/SATA/NVMe (HDD/SSD) max 61.44 TB

Tip
Tip

For more information, see see Dell EMC PowerEdge R750 Datasheet

Innovate at scale with challenging and emerging workloads

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R750, powered by the 3rd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors is a rack server to address application performance and acceleration. The EMC PowerEdge R750, is a dual-socket/2U rack server that delivers outstanding performance for the most demanding workloads. It supports 8 channels of memory per CPU, and up to 32 DDR4 DIMMs @ 3200 MT/s speeds. In addition, to address substantial throughput improvements the EMC PowerEdge R750 supports PCIe Gen 4 and up to 24 NVMe drives with improved air-cooling features and optional Direct Liquid Cooling to support increasing power and thermal requirements. This makes the EMC PowerEdge R750 an ideal server for data center standardization on a wide range of workloads including; Database and Analytics, Highperformance computing (HPC), Traditional corporate IT, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure, and AI/ML environments that require performance, extensive storage and GPU support

Increase efficiency and accelerate operations with autonomous collaboration

The Dell EMC OpenManage systems management portfolio tames the complexity of managing and securing IT infrastructure. Using Dell Technologies’ intuitive end-to-end tools, IT can deliver a secure, integrated experience by reducing process and information silos in order to focus on growing the business. The Dell EMC OpenManage portfolio is the key to your innovation engine, unlocking the tools and automation that help you scale, manage, and protect your technology environment.

  • Built-in telemetry streaming, thermal management, and RESTful API with Redfish offer streamlined visibility and control for better server management

  • Intelligent automation lets you enable cooperation between human actions and system capabilities for added productivity

  • Integrated change management capabilities for update planning and seamless, zero-touch configuration and implementation

  • Full-stack management integration with Microsoft, VMware, ServiceNow, Ansible and many other tool

Protect your data assets and infrastructure with proactive resilience

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R750 server is designed with a cyber-resilient architecture, integrating security deeply into every phase in the lifecycle, from design to retirement.

  • Operate your workloads on a secure platform anchored by cryptographically trusted booting and silicon root of trust

  • Maintain server firmware safety with digitally signed firmware packages

  • Prevent unauthorized configuration or firmware change with system lockdown

  • Securely and quickly wipe all data from storage media, including hard drives, SSDs and system memory with System Erase

Note
Note

A sample bill of materials, in the Chapter 9, Appendix, cites the necessary quantites of all components, along with a reference to the minimum resource requirements needed by the software components.