Create a KubeRaya Cluster

This guide explains how to create a KubeRaya cluster using the CloudRaya dashboard.

KubeRaya is a fully managed Kubernetes platform, which means CloudRaya handles the underlying Kubernetes control plane and infrastructure, while you focus on configuring your cluster and deploying applications.

Terminology Clarification: Control Plane vs Master Node

In Kubernetes documentation, the term control plane is commonly used.

In KubeRaya:

• Master Node refers to the Kubernetes control plane
• Worker Nodes run your application workloads (pods)

The CloudRaya dashboard uses the term master node for consistency with the platform UI, but it represents the standard Kubernetes control plane components.

Before You Begin

Before creating a cluster, make sure you understand:

• You will choose:
  • Kubernetes version
  • Cluster package (node specifications)
  • Number of worker and master nodes
• Billing is based on:
  • Node resources
  • Cluster configuration
• Kubernetes version upgrades are managed separately after creation

📄 See: KubeRaya Overview

Accessing the KubeRaya Page

1. From the CloudRaya Control Panel home page, select your active Project
2. Navigate to Compute → KubeRaya
3. The KubeRaya page displays:
   • All existing clusters
   • Cluster status (Running / Stopped)
   • Location
   • Node count
   • Quick actions (View Detail, Download Config, Scale, Stop)

If no cluster exists yet, click + Add Cluster to begin.

Cluster Creation Workflow

Creating a KubeRaya cluster consists of 6 configuration steps.

Each step can be edited before final submission.

Step 1: Select Server Location

Choose the Cloud Zone where the cluster will be deployed.

• Each cluster runs in one location only
• Location determines:
  • Network latency
  • Data residency
  • Available infrastructure resources

Once selected, the location cannot be changed after cluster creation.

Step 2: Choose Kubernetes Version

Select a Kubernetes version from the available list.

Notes on Kubernetes Versions

• Newer versions provide:
  • Feature improvements
  • Security patches
  • API enhancements
• Older versions may be selected for:
  • Compatibility with existing workloads
  • Legacy applications

CloudRaya only provides supported and validated Kubernetes versions.

Step 3: Select Cluster Package

Choose a cluster package that defines the node specifications.

Each package includes:

• CPU
• Memory
• Disk
• Bandwidth allocation

This package applies to each node in the cluster.

Step 4: Configure Nodes

Define how many nodes your cluster will run.

Worker Nodes

• Worker nodes run your application workloads (pods)
• You must specify at least one worker node
• Maximum node limits apply per cluster (as shown in the dashboard)

Master Nodes & High Availability

• By default, the cluster uses a single master node
• To enable High Availability (HA):
  • Enable the High Availability option
  • Configure the number of master nodes

High Availability improves control plane resilience but increases resource usage.

Important Notes

• Total cluster nodes (master + worker) are limited to 5
• Node count can be scaled later
• Worker nodes and master nodes are provisioned automatically by the platform

📄 See: Manage KubeRaya Clusters

Step 5: Set Cluster Name

Provide a cluster name.

Best practices:

• Use meaningful names (e.g. prod-cluster, staging-k8s)
• Keep one environment per cluster
• Use a consistent naming pattern across teams

Step 6: Add Description (Optional)

You may add an optional description to:

• Clarify the cluster’s purpose
• Identify ownership
• Improve operational visibility

Review & Create Cluster

Before finalizing:

• Review all selected options
• Check the total hourly cost and estimated monthly cost displayed at the bottom

When ready:

1. Click Add Cluster
2. CloudRaya begins provisioning the cluster
3. Cluster status will appear as Creating
4. Once ready, status changes to Running

Cluster provisioning may take several minutes.

Next Steps

📄 Access a KubeRaya Cluster

📄 Manage KubeRaya Clusters

📄 Networking in Kubernetes

📄 Expose Services in Kubernetes

📄 Kubernetes Security Basics