In this session, dotnet demonstrates how to architect a load balancer using YARP to streamline traffic management across multiple Kubernetes clusters and VM-hosted Windows Containers, offering practical insights on scaling, routing, and integrating legacy systems.

Multicluster Load Balancing with YARP: From Kubernetes to Legacy Containers

Overview

This session dives into creating a production-ready load balancer with YARP (Yet Another Reverse Proxy), focusing on routing traffic across distributed Kubernetes clusters and VM-hosted Windows Containers. The content shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies for modernizing and unifying traffic management in heterogeneous environments.

Key Topics Covered

Architecture Decisions:
- Rationale for using YARP as a flexible, programmable reverse proxy
- Integration points between Kubernetes services and legacy VM-based workloads
Routing Strategies:
- Design patterns for scalable, multicluster routing
- How to handle failover, load distribution, and traffic shaping across clusters
- Strategies for exposing legacy Windows Containers alongside Kubernetes applications
Integration Challenges:
- Addressing network, authentication, and compatibility issues between modern and legacy infrastructure
- Techniques used to achieve seamless interoperability

Implementation Insights

YARP Configuration:
- Configuring YARP for service discovery and dynamic endpoint management
- Utilizing .NET 10 features for robust, maintainable proxy logic
Handling Legacy Workloads:
- Bridging the gap between container orchestrators and traditional VM-hosted services
- Common pitfalls and mitigation strategies

Microsoft Technologies Mentioned

.NET 10 and .NET Aspire 13: For orchestration and service implementation
ASP.NET Core 10: Modern web service development
C# 14 and F# 10: Language innovations for backend services
Visual Studio 2026: Productivity improvements for developer workflows

Resources and Further Learning

Conclusion

Using YARP for hybrid cloud load balancing enables organizations to unify disparate workloads, modernize infrastructure strategically, and streamline traffic handling with a Microsoft-centric technology stack.

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