Can you explain what kube-proxy is in Kubernetes and how it works?

kube-proxy is a component of Kubernetes responsible for network access to services within the cluster. It runs on each node and ensures traffic routing to the appropriate pods.

Main functions of kube-proxy:

• Maintains network rules (iptables or IPVS) to redirect requests to pod IP addresses that implement the service.
• Provides load balancing among pods that are part of the service.
• Monitors changes in services and endpoints via the Kubernetes API and updates routing rules.

Example: when a client inside the cluster accesses a service via its ClusterIP, kube-proxy redirects this request to one of the pods serving that service, using iptables or IPVS rules.

Thus, kube-proxy provides transparent access to services and load balancing within the cluster.