Plan

Before you start the installer, choose the deployment architecture and confirm the installation settings that affect later operations.

INFO

Core installation deploys the global cluster on prepared nodes. It does not support direct installation of the global cluster into an existing Kubernetes environment.

Choose a Deployment Architecture

Choose the architecture that matches your business scenario, management model, workload placement, resource planning, and isolation requirements.

ArchitectureUse whenPlanning notes
Multi-ClusterYou need one global cluster to manage multiple workload clusters.Avoid running non-platform workloads on the global cluster. Plan resources for the expected number of managed workload clusters.
Single ClusterYou intentionally use one cluster for platform components and application workloads.Single Cluster supports production use when it fits the business scenario. Because the global cluster also runs application workloads, plan resources and platform/workload isolation before installation.
Single NodeYou need a test or proof-of-concept environment.Do not use Single Node for production.

For resource requirements and sizing guidance, see Prerequisites.

Confirm Install-Time Decisions

Confirm the following decisions before running the installer:

DecisionWhat to confirmContinue with
Package architectureChoose an x86, ARM, or hybrid Core Package.Download
Cluster network protocolChoose IPv4, IPv6, or dual stack before starting the installer.Installing
Cluster Endpoint and Platform Access AddressPrepare the access addresses that cluster components, administrators, and users will use.Prerequisites and Parameter Description
Load balancingDecide whether to use an external load balancer or Self-built VIP.Prerequisites and LoadBalancer Forwarding Rules
CertificatesDecide whether to use installer-generated self-signed certificates or trusted certificates that you provide.Prerequisites and Parameter Description
Image repositoryDecide whether to use the platform deployment image repository or an external image repository.Parameter Description
NodesConfirm node names, node roles, and whether platform node isolation is required.Node Preprocessing and Parameter Description
Global Cluster Disaster RecoveryDecide whether your environment requires primary and standby global clusters.Global Cluster Disaster Recovery

If you plan to use Global Cluster Disaster Recovery, read Global Cluster Disaster Recovery before installing Core. Disaster recovery planning affects domain names, VIPs, certificates, load balancer rules, image registry choices, package architecture, and installation parameter consistency.

Read Before You Install

Use the following pages as the source of truth before running the installer: