Access a KubeRaya Cluster

Accessing a KubeRaya cluster is done using standard Kubernetes tools.

CloudRaya provides a secure kubeconfig file for each cluster, allowing you to authenticate and interact with the Kubernetes API using kubectl or compatible clients.

This page explains the supported access methods, when to use each one, and how access is handled securely.

Supported Access Methods

KubeRaya supports multiple ways to access your cluster. Each method serves a different purpose and level of control.

1️⃣ Access via kubeconfig (Recommended)

This is the primary and recommended way to access a KubeRaya cluster.

• Uses standard Kubernetes authentication
• Works with kubectl and Kubernetes-compatible tools
• Provides full administrative access
• Suitable for development, automation, and production operations

Most users should use kubeconfig-based access as their default method.

📄 See: Access Cluster Using kubeconfig

2️⃣ Access via Kubernetes Dashboard (Optional)

The Kubernetes Dashboard provides a web-based interface for viewing cluster resources.

• Useful for inspection and basic operations
• Requires authentication using a token
• Not intended as a primary management interface

Best suited for visual exploration rather than daily operations.

📄 See: Access Cluster Using Kubernetes Dashboard

3️⃣ Access via Third-Party Tools (Lens)

You can access KubeRaya clusters using third-party Kubernetes tools such as Lens.

• Uses the same kubeconfig file
• Provides a graphical interface on your local machine
• Not managed or operated by CloudRaya

Third-party tools are supported through standard Kubernetes compatibility.

📄 See: Access Cluster Using Lens

How Access Works in KubeRaya

Each KubeRaya cluster generates its own kubeconfig file.

Terminology alignment:

• In Kubernetes, the control plane manages cluster state and APIs
• In the CloudRaya interface, this is represented as Master Node(s)
• The kubeconfig connects to the Kubernetes API exposed by the control plane

CloudRaya manages the control plane infrastructure, while you control who can access the cluster and how it is used.

Where to Download kubeconfig

You can download the kubeconfig file directly from the CloudRaya dashboard.

Option 1: From the Cluster List

1. Open Dashboard → Compute → KubeRaya
2. Locate your cluster
3. Click the action menu
4. Select Download Config

Option 2: From the Cluster Detail Page

1. Open Dashboard → Compute → KubeRaya
2. Click View Detail on the cluster
3. Click Download Config

The downloaded file is ready to use without additional configuration.

Security Considerations

Accessing a cluster grants administrative control over workloads and resources.

Best practices:

• Store kubeconfig files securely
• Do not commit kubeconfig files to version control
• Do not share kubeconfig files publicly
• Re-download kubeconfig if you suspect it has been exposed

Cluster access should always be intentional and controlled.

📄 See: Kubernetes Security Basics

Choosing the Right Access Method

For most users, kubeconfig-based access provides the best balance of control, security, and flexibility.

Related Guides

📄 KubeRaya Overview

📄 Create a KubeRaya Cluster

📄 Access Using kubeconfig

📄 Access Using Kubernetes Dashboard

📄 Access Using Lens

📄 Kubernetes Security Basics