Learn how to manage north/south traffic in Kubernetes using the Gateway API, which offers a flexible alternative to Ingress Controllers. The article walks through the process of setting up a Gateway, configuring a GatewayClass, and creating an HTTPRoute to route traffic to a backend service. By following the provided steps, readers can successfully implement their own Kubernetes Gateway API configuration.

Kubernetes traffic management is challenging due to the complexity of modern applications and the limitations of traditional tools like Ingress. The Gateway API offers a standardized, Kubernetes-native framework that improves traffic management by enabling advanced routing, load balancing, and security while simplifying configurations across clusters. This solution addresses the operational difficulties associated with managing multiple services in dynamic environments.

Kubernetes traffic management is evolving with the introduction of the Gateway API, which addresses the limitations of traditional Ingress controllers by offering standardization, role-based architecture, and richer features. The Calico Ingress Gateway, powered by Envoy, provides a robust implementation of this new standard, allowing for secure application deployments with automated TLS management. This blog details the setup process and key configurations needed to leverage these advancements in a Kubernetes environment.

Envoy Gateway can be integrated with Istio's Ambient Mesh to enhance traffic management and policy enforcement through its advanced Layer 7 capabilities, despite Ambient Mesh's limitations. By deploying Envoy Gateway as both the Ingress Gateway and Waypoint Proxy, users can simplify configurations while leveraging powerful features like global rate limiting and enhanced security policies. The article provides a step-by-step guide on setting up Envoy Gateway within an Ambient Mesh environment.