Detailed Comparison of Docker Swarm vs. Kubernetes

Installation

• When it comes to installation, Docker Swarm is renowned for its quick & easy setup on a system with Docker Engine.

• For installation, you only need to assign an IP address to hosts, assign a node, and give access to protocols & ports within the hosts — you are done with the setup. Docker Swarm is best suited for teams with intermediate technical skills.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes needs pre-planning. For Kubernetes installation, the team needs to install Kubernetes Command Line Interface and Kubectl, which varies depending on the operating system you are installing it on.

• For instance, Curl is preferred to install K8s on Linux, but to install it on Mac & Windows, you need Homebrew & Gallery Package Manager.

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Deployment

• Docker Swarm allows users to deploy apps through predefined Swarm files for the app’s desired state. For deployment, the user must copy a YAML file or Docker Compose at the root level. This file allows the user to run containers on several networks & machines and make the most of the node machine capabilities.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes requires describing a declarative update to the App state for deployment when the Kubernetes Pods & ReplicaSets are updating. Once the pod’s desired state is described, the controller can change the pod’s current state.

• Kubernetes allows users to define different aspects of the app lifecycle. However, it requires immense skills & is complicated to perform.

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Scaling

• Both Docker Swarm & Kubernetes allow users to scale their infrastructure up or down according to their requirements. However, the way of performing tasks is different.

• In Docker Swarm, the tasks must be performed manually through Docker Compose YAML templates. Whereas in Kubernetes, users get an automated scaling feature that auto-scales the cluster & pod level according to the current traffic. Kubernetes is better at scaling down than Docker Swarm.

Load Balancing

• Load Balancing is a crucial feature for efficiently handling unexpected loads. Docker Swarm comes with automatic load balancing.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes does not come with an automatic loading balancing feature. However, users can integrate third-party tools with Kubernetes to enable automatic load balancing.

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Networking

• Docker Swarm & Kubernetes have different networking models. Docker Swarm creates two different types of networks for a cluster of nodes in which one network highlights an overlay of the other, and the second network creates a host-only bridge for each container.

• On the other hand, the Kubernetes networking model is simpler because of peer-to-peer pod communication. All these pods communicate with each other. And it needs 2 controller managers for exposed services & providing IPs to pods.

Security

• Security is a significant concern for many users using a container orchestration platform. Docker Swarm security depends on a network level through authenticated TLS, where security certificates are rotated frequently between nodes.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes offers enterprise-grade security controls, such as SSL, security policies, secrets management, RBAC authorization, and many more. Also, commercial cloud-native security tools further enhance Kubernetes platform security. https://calidadinfotech.com/

Monitoring

• Docker Swarm monitoring only offers basic tools like Docker’s event & server log tools. In Docker Swarm, the cross-node services & objects are in huge volumes, making monitoring complicated.

• Users can opt for third-party extensions like Grafana or cAdvisor for enhanced monitoring to make monitoring less complicated in Docker Swarm.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes comes with built-in monitoring & logging functionality. Its built-in monitoring functionalities help evaluate individual containers, pods, & services and observe cluster behavior.

• Built-in features will fulfill all the users’ key requirements; however, they can opt for integrating additional tools for highly detailed metrics.

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Dashboards

• Dashboards allow users to have an enhanced interface. In Docker Swarm, users will not get a built-in dashboard. However, users can integrate third-party tools like Dockstation or Swarmpit for a GUI.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes comes with built-in dashboards through Web UI. This GUI helps Kubernetes users in controlling, monitoring & managing clusters, and also deploying apps on a cluster. Users can also view error logs.

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Availability

• Docker Swarm offers the best availability controls among all container orchestration tools. Host failure can sometimes occur in Docker Swarm, which can be managed by moving a worker node to another desired resource using node manager.

• On the other hand, Kubernetes provides two different topologies. First is using an external etcd object for separately handling the control plane nodes & load balancing.

• Another option is co-locating the etcd object during a failover with every available cluster node using a stacked control plane node. Also, Kubernetes comes with excellent capabilities like self-healing & flaunt-tolerant.

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After reading the blog, you will have clarity on the difference between Docker Swarm & Kubernetes in nine features.

• To summarize, Docker Swarm is an ideal container orchestration platform if you want a quick & easy installation & setup without compromising on primary features. In Docker Swarm, you can effectively manage small workloads.

• Whereas Kubernetes is ideal for those users who want flexibility, are open to learning, and want all the salient features for their container orchestration tool. It is proven effective for the complex infrastructure of top organizations worldwide.

• In short, Kubernetes is best if your infrastructure is complex, and if you want easy & quick installation, then Docker Swarm is the ideal option. However, the best option depends on the organization’s needs & goals.

• At Calidad Infotech, we offer both Kubernetes & Docker tools. Our team of competent & highly qualified IT professionals will help you select the best option according to your organization’s requirements & goals. We are one of the leading Software Consultants & Cloud Service Providers in India.

• For a consultation or any questions, contact us, and one of our IT Consultants will contact you. We are available via call at +91–9909922871 and email at hello@calidadinfotech.com.