Connect a Kubernetes Cluster

info

To move on, you'll need a new or existing Kubernetes cluster to which you can connect your new Argo CD instance.

The Akuity Platform's unique, hybrid architecture works with local clusters managed by the likes of k3d or kind just as easily as it works with any other cluster.

Create a Kubernetes Cluster Using kind (Optional)

1. Install the kind CLI.

2. Create a cluster using kind.

   kind create cluster --name akuity-connected-cluster

   You should see the following output:

   Creating cluster "akuity-connected-cluster" ...
   ✓ Ensuring node image (kindest/node:v1.25.2) 🖼
   ✓ Preparing nodes 📦 📦 📦 📦  
   ✓ Writing configuration 📜 
   ✓ Starting control-plane 🕹️ 
   ✓ Installing CNI 🔌 
   ✓ Installing StorageClass 💾 
   ✓ Joining worker nodes 🚜 
   Set kubectl context to "kind-akuity-connected-cluster"
   You can now use your cluster with:
   
   kubectl cluster-info --context kind-akuity-connected-cluster
   
   Thanks for using kind! 😊

3. Check that the cluster works by running kubectl get nodes.

   % kubectl get nodes
   NAME                                     STATUS   ROLES           AGE   VERSION
   akuity-connected-cluster-control-plane   Ready    control-plane   74s   v1.25.2

   Fetching the nodes will demonstrate that kubectl can connect to the cluster and query the API server. The node should be in the "Ready" status.

After your new Argo CD instance is created successfully (Healthy status next to your new instance's name):

1. Navigate to Argo CD → your instance → Clusters.

2. Click + Connect a cluster to add a Kubernetes cluster.

3. Input your Cluster Name.

4. Click Connect Cluster.

5. In the Install Akuity Agent pop-up screen, click Copy to Clipboard

   caution

   Before pasting the next command, make sure you're connected to the correct cluster.

6. Paste the copied command into your terminal and run it to apply the agent manifest.

   Alternatively, you can download the agent manifest and apply it manually inside your cluster.

After installing the agent into your Kubernetes cluster, you should see the cluster listed in the Akuity dashboard with a green heart icon next to the cluster name.

Now that your Argo CD instance is connected to a Kubernetes cluster, move on to the next section to learn about enabling remote access to your instance.