Kubernetes networking foundations: Build a mental model that actually works

Kubernetes networking is foundational, yet many teams run it without a clear, structured view of how components fit together. This hands-on workshop builds a practical mental model by examining how traffic actually flows through a cluster and how layers interact, impacting reliability, security, and operational complexity. Guided exercises cover pod networking and CNI fundamentals, service behavior and kube-proxy mechanics, north-south traffic patterns, network policies, and integration with external infrastructure. The focus is understanding underlying mechanics to debug issues methodically and make informed architectural decisions. Modern eBPF-based approaches are also explored to show how they reshape traditional implementations, improving scalability, observability, and security. Participants receive a badge.