Create Azure Kubernetes Service on Azure Local

Question

Hi ,

I am planning to create an AKS cluster on Azure Arc. Currently, I have an Azure Stack HCI environment configured with Azure Local. Should I remove the existing Azure Local resources such as the Arc bridge and cluster before proceeding?

What is the recommended approach for implementing AKS in this setup? or should i start from the scratch?

The environment consists of three physical nodes running the Azure Stack HCI operating system on Dell EMC AX-750 hardware. All nodes are joined to the local Active Directory domain and are managed through the local Windows Admin Center (WAC).

Answer 1

You do not need to remove existing Azure Local resources, such as the Arc bridge and cluster, before creating an Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) cluster on Azure Arc. Instead, you can create the AKS cluster directly in your existing Azure Stack HCI environment configured with Azure Local.

The recommended approach is to utilize the Azure CLI to create the AKS cluster. You can follow the steps outlined in the Azure documentation for creating Kubernetes clusters using Azure CLI, ensuring that your cluster is Azure Arc-connected by default. Make sure to configure the necessary permissions and access for your Microsoft Entra users during the cluster creation process.

Since your environment consists of three physical nodes running Azure Stack HCI and is managed through Windows Admin Center, you can leverage these existing resources without starting from scratch.

For further details on creating the AKS cluster, refer to the Azure documentation on AKS on Azure Local.

Answer 2

Hello @Rasitha Mudugama Hewage

You do not need to remove existing Azure Local resources such as the Arc Resource Bridge or cluster. These components are required for Azure Arc integration and should remain in place.

1. The recommended approach is to build on your current Azure Local configuration rather than starting from scratch.
2. Azure Stack HCI Cluster
   • Ensure all three nodes are healthy and domain-joined.
   • Validate BIOS and firmware according to Dell AX-750 support guidelines.
3. Networking
   • Configure a logical network for AKS workloads.
   • Separate management and workload networks for best performance.
4. Azure Integration
   • Active Azure subscription and Microsoft Entra ID (Azure AD) for RBAC.
   • Register Azure Stack HCI with Azure.
5. Windows Admin Center
   • Version 2103.2 or later.
   • Install AKS extension.
6. Register Azure Stack HCI with Azure
   • In WAC, sign in to Azure and register the cluster.
   • Confirm Arc Resource Bridge and Custom Location are created automatically.
7. Install AKS Extension in WAC
   • Navigate to Extensions and install the AKS extension.
8. Create AKS Host Cluster (Management Cluster)
   • Use WAC or PowerShell (Install-AksHci) to deploy the AKS host cluster.
   • This sets up the control plane and platform services.
9. Create AKS Workload Cluster
   • From WAC or Azure Portal, select the Custom Location.
   • Configure node pools (Linux/Windows), networking, and storage classes.
   • Ensure the cluster is Arc-connected.
10. Validate Connectivity
    • Test kube-apiserver reachability from Arc Resource Bridge.
    • Run az connectedk8s proxy and kubectl get nodes to confirm.
11. Enable Extensions and Policies
    • Deploy Azure Monitor, Defender for Containers, and GitOps via Arc.
12. Deploy Applications
    • Use Azure CLI or GitOps for workload deployment.

If you have any questions please revert back we will be happy to assist you.

Thanks,
Manish Deshpande.

Answer 3

Hello @Rasitha Mudugama Hewage

When planning to create an Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) cluster on Azure Arc within your Azure Stack HCI environment, it is generally recommended to remove any existing Azure Local resources, including the Arc bridge and cluster, before proceeding. This helps avoid conflicts and ensures a clean setup for the new AKS cluster. The Arc Resource Bridge is crucial as it connects your Azure Local environment to Azure and manages the AKS clusters deployed there.

To create the AKS cluster, you can follow the steps outlined for setting up AKS on Azure Local. This includes using the Azure CLI to install necessary extensions and creating the cluster through commands like az aksarc create.

Additionally, the Arc Resource Bridge and custom locations are automatically created when you deploy Azure Local, which facilitates the management of Kubernetes clusters.

In summary, starting fresh by removing existing resources and following the proper setup steps for AKS on Azure Arc is the recommended approach.

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