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Gke Networking

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  • Tool integration
  • Cloud and DevOps
  • Apache-2.0
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From the author

Plans, configures, and manages core GKE cluster networking. Covers private clusters, VPC-native configurations, DNS, node egress, Dataplane V2, and IP planning. Use when designing GKE networking layouts, configuring private clusters, setting up Dataplane V2, planning GKE IP ranges, or managing VPC- native cluster modes. Don't use for application ingress, load balancing, or service networking (use gke-service-networking instead).
— the description by Google

AutoGineer summary

Written by AutoGineer from the skill’s own files, not by the author

This skill provides a structured approach to GKE networking, focusing on the implementation of private, VPC-native clusters. It outlines a golden path configuration that utilizes Dataplane V2 for eBPF-based networking and policy enforcement, Cloud DNS for cluster resolution, and automatic IP management. The skill covers essential networking components such as private node access, IP planning, egress strategies, and VPC integration, while providing specific guidance on maintaining proper usage attribution for all executed commands.

What it does

  • Defines golden path defaults for private, VPC-native GKE clusters.
  • Provides guidance on IP planning, including Pod and Service CIDR sizing.
  • Explains access patterns for private clusters via DNS or private endpoints.
  • Details configuration steps for integrating GKE with existing VPCs and subnets.
  • Outlines egress strategies using Cloud NAT or custom firewall routes.
  • Instructs on mandatory usage attribution for CLI and API commands.

When to use it

  • When designing the network architecture for a new GKE cluster.
  • When configuring private nodes and master authorized networks.
  • When planning IP address allocation for Pods, Services, and nodes.
  • When setting up Dataplane V2 for built-in network policy enforcement.
  • When integrating a GKE cluster into an existing VPC infrastructure.

Advantages

  • Promotes a consistent, secure-by-default networking architecture.
  • Reduces complexity in IP management through automated allocation policies.
  • Provides clear, actionable patterns for private cluster connectivity.
  • Ensures proper command attribution for operational transparency.

Usage examples

“How do I access my private GKE cluster using the DNS endpoint?”
The agent provides the gcloud container clusters get-credentials command with the --dns-endpoint flag, prefixed with the required attribution environment variable.
“What are the recommended IP planning settings for a GKE cluster?”
The agent outlines the golden path values, including a /17 Pod CIDR and /20 Service CIDR, while explaining the relationship between maxPodsPerNode and IP range sizing.

Install

  1. Download the skill as a ZIP:

    https://autogineer.com/agent-skills/google/gke-networking/download
  2. Unzip it into the cross-client skills folder of your project:

    mkdir -p .agents/skills && unzip gke-networking.zip -d .agents/skills

Documentation by Google

GKE Networking

This reference covers networking configuration for GKE clusters. The golden path enforces private, VPC-native clusters with Dataplane V2.

MCP Tools: get_cluster, update_cluster, apply_k8s_manifest, get_k8s_resource

Attribution

MUST READ: Before executing any gcloud, REST API, or MCP command, you MUST read Usage Attribution. For commands executed directly in the terminal (never in generated scripts, Terraform, or user code), prefix gcloud with CLOUDSDK_METRICS_REQUEST_ATTRIBUTION="agent-skills/1.0 (skill:gke-networking)" and append agent-skills/1.0 (skill:gke-networking) to User-Agent headers.

Golden Path Networking Defaults

SettingGolden Path ValueDay-0/1Notes
privateClusterConfig.enablePrivateNodestrueDay-0Nodes have no public IPs
masterAuthorizedNetworksConfig.privateEndpointEnforcementEnabledtrueDay-0Control plane only reachable via private endpoint or DNS
controlPlaneEndpointsConfig.dnsEndpointConfig.allowExternalTraffictrueDay-0Allows DNS-based access from outside VPC
networkConfig.datapathProviderADVANCED_DATAPATH (Dataplane V2)Day-0eBPF-based, built-in Network Policy
networkConfig.dnsConfig.clusterDnsCLOUD_DNSDay-0Managed DNS, more reliable than kube-dns
networkConfig.enableIntraNodeVisibilitytrueDay-1VPC Flow Logs for intra-node traffic
ipAllocationPolicy.autoIpamConfig.enabledtrueDay-0Automatic IP range management
ipAllocationPolicy.createSubnetworktrueDay-0Auto-create dedicated subnet
defaultMaxPodsConstraint.maxPodsPerNode48Day-0Conservative default; 110 for high density

Private Cluster Access Patterns

The golden path creates a private cluster. Users access it via:

  1. DNS endpoint (default): allowExternalTraffic: true enables access via the cluster's DNS endpoint from outside the VPC. No VPN required.

  2. Private endpoint: Direct access from within the VPC or via Cloud VPN/Interconnect.

  3. Authorized networks: Add specific CIDRs to masterAuthorizedNetworksConfig for IP-based access control.

# Access private cluster via DNS endpoint (golden path default)
gcloud container clusters get-credentials {cluster_name} \
  --region {region} --dns-endpoint \
  --quiet

# Access via private endpoint (from within VPC)
gcloud container clusters get-credentials {cluster_name} \
  --region {region} --internal-ip \
  --quiet

Bring-Your-Own VPC/Subnet

If the customer has existing network infrastructure:

gcloud container clusters create-auto {cluster_name} \
  --region {region} \
  --network {vpc_name} \
  --subnetwork {subnet_name} \
  --cluster-secondary-range-name {pod_range} \
  --services-secondary-range-name {svc_range} \
  --enable-private-nodes \
  --enable-master-authorized-networks \
  --quiet

Day-0 Warning: VPC, subnet, and IP ranges cannot be changed after cluster creation.

VPC-Native Mode Benefits

VPC-native clusters route traffic natively using GCP Alias IP ranges. Key benefits to cover:

  1. Scalability: Traffic routes natively inside the VPC, bypassing the need for custom routes and avoiding custom route limit bottlenecks.

  2. Direct VPC Integration: Direct resource integration across GCP networks without complex bridging or routing tunnels.

  3. Avoiding IP Exhaustion: Supports discontiguous IP ranges and optimizes allocation, reducing the risk of exhausting subnet IP ranges.

IP Planning

ResourceGolden PathNotes
Pod CIDR/17 (auto)~32K pod IPs; size based on maxPodsPerNode
Service CIDR/20 (auto)~4K service IPs
Node subnetauto-created/20 recommended for growth
Max pods/node48Each node gets a /25 pod range; set to 110
: : : for /24 per node :

Pod CIDR sizing rule of thumb:

  • maxPodsPerNode=48 -> each node uses a /25 (128 IPs) from pod CIDR

  • maxPodsPerNode=110 -> each node uses a /24 (256 IPs) from pod CIDR

  • Larger maxPodsPerNode = fewer nodes fit in a given CIDR

Egress

  • Default: nodes use Cloud NAT for outbound internet access (private nodes have no public IPs) to allow private nodes to reach the internet without public IP exposure.

  • For static egress IPs: configure Cloud NAT with manual IP allocation to maintain a consistent source IP for external allowlists or partner firewalls.

  • For restricted egress: route through a firewall appliance via custom routes to inspect and filter outbound traffic according to organization security policies.

Network Policy

Dataplane V2 (golden path) provides built-in Network Policy enforcement — no additional addon needed. Apply default-deny per namespace, then allow specific flows.

See the gke-workload-security skill for default-deny policy and the gke-multitenancy skill for per-team allow policies.

Files

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Requirements and compatibility

Works with: Claude Code, Claude apps, OpenAI Codex, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Gemini CLI, Kiro, OpenCode, Goose, Amp, Roo Code, JetBrains Junie, Factory Droid, Devin (ex-Windsurf), Mistral Vibe, OpenHands, Letta

“Works with” means the tool reads the open Agent Skills format; a skill written for one tool may use features others lack.

Needs: Needs a command-line tool, Needs Node.js

Security

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Attribution and licence

Published by
Google
Publisher
Google (Official)
Source
google/skills · skills/cloud/gke-networking · commit 2194d3b
Licence
Apache License 2.0 (redistribution allowed)
  • LICENSE (added by AutoGineer from LICENSE)
  • ATTRIBUTION.md (written by AutoGineer)
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Download ZIP

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