Kubernetes has transformed container orchestration, rapidly pushing the boundaries of scalability and flexibility. Yet some core components haven’t evolved as gracefully. Kubernetes Ingress is a prime example; it’s beginning to feel like using an old flip phone when everyone else has moved on to smartphones.
What’s driving this shift away from the once-reliable Ingress, and why are more Kubernetes professionals turning to Gateway API?
The rise and limits of Kubernetes Ingress
When Kubernetes introduced Ingress, its appeal lay in its simplicity. Its job was straightforward: route HTTP and HTTPS traffic into Kubernetes clusters predictably. Like traffic lights at a busy intersection, it provided clear and reliable outcomes: set paths and hostnames, and your Ingress controller (NGINX, Traefik, or others) took care of the rest.
However, as Kubernetes workloads grew more complex, this simplicity became restrictive. Teams began seeking advanced capabilities such as canary deployments, complex traffic management, support for additional protocols, and finer control. Unfortunately, Ingress remained static, forcing teams to rely on cumbersome vendor-specific customizations.
Why Ingress now feels outdated
Ingress still performs adequately, but managing it becomes increasingly cumbersome as complexity rises. It’s comparable to owning a reliable but outdated vehicle; it gets you to your destination but lacks modern conveniences. Here’s why Ingress feels out-of-date:
- Limited protocol support – Only HTTP and HTTPS are supported natively. If your applications require gRPC, TCP, or UDP, you’re out of luck.
- Vendor lock-in with annotations – Advanced routing features and authentication mechanisms often require vendor-specific annotations, locking you into particular solutions.
- Rigid permission models – Managing shared control across multiple teams is complicated and inefficient, similar to having a single TV remote for an entire household.
- No evolutionary path – Ingress will remain stable but static, unable to evolve as the Kubernetes ecosystem demands greater flexibility.
Gateway API offers a modern alternative
Gateway API isn’t merely an upgraded Ingress; it’s a fundamental rethink of how Kubernetes handles external traffic. It cleanly separates roles and responsibilities, streamlining interactions between network administrators, platform teams, and developers. Think of it as a well-run restaurant: chefs, managers, and servers each have clear roles, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
Additionally, Gateway API supports multiple protocols, including gRPC, TCP, and UDP, natively. This eliminates reliance on awkward annotations and vendor lock-in, resembling an upgrade from single-purpose appliances to versatile multi-function tools that adapt smoothly to emerging needs.
When Gateway API becomes essential
Gateway API won’t suit every situation, but specific scenarios benefit from its use. Consider these questions:
- Do your applications require sophisticated traffic handling, like canary deployments or traffic mirroring?
- Are your services utilizing protocols beyond HTTP and HTTPS?
- Is your Kubernetes cluster shared among multiple teams, each needing distinct control?
- Do you seek portability across cloud providers and wish to avoid vendor lock-in?
- Do you often desire modern features that are unavailable through traditional Ingress?
Answering “yes” to any of these indicates that Gateway API isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Deciding to move forward
Ingress isn’t entirely obsolete. For straightforward HTTP/HTTPS routing for smaller services, it remains effective. But as soon as your needs scale up, involve complex traffic management, or require clear team boundaries, Gateway API becomes the superior choice.
Technology continuously advances, and your infrastructure must evolve with it. Gateway API isn’t a futuristic solution; it’s already here, enhancing your Kubernetes deployments with greater intelligence, flexibility, and manageability.
When better tools appear, upgrading isn’t merely sensible, it’s crucial. Gateway API represents precisely this meaningful advancement, ensuring your Kubernetes environment remains robust, adaptable, and ready for whatever comes next.
