Cloud Architects and DevOps Engineers
Designing the storage architecture for a new stateful application on Google Kubernetes Engine
Use cases
About
The Kubernetes Engine Storage mind map template provides a technical breakdown of storage orchestration within GKE, covering over 100 nodes of architectural data. It serves as a comprehensive Kubernetes Engine Storage cheat sheet for DevOps engineers and cloud architects managing stateful applications. The content specifically details the distinction between ephemeral storage types like 'emptyDir' and durable solutions such as 'Persistent Volumes'. Users can explore the integration of Google Cloud services, including 'Artifact Registry' for container images and 'Filestore' for managed NAS requirements. This Kubernetes Engine Storage template is structured to help teams navigate the complexities of volume lifecycles, from dynamic provisioning via 'PersistentVolumeClaims' to the specific use cases for block-based 'Persistent Disks'.
Terms and ConditionsWhen to use this template
Site Reliability Engineers (SREs)
Troubleshooting data persistence issues or volume mounting errors in a production cluster
Engineering Managers and Technical Leads
Onboarding new team members to the specific storage abstractions and GKE-specific plugins used in the company infrastructure
How to use this template
Step 1
Import the storage template
Download the .xmind file and open it in Xmind to view the full 101-node hierarchy of GKE storage options.
Step 2
Map your application requirements
Navigate to the 'Overview' branch to determine if your app needs 'Filestore' for NAS or 'Persistent Disks' for block storage.
Step 3
Customize the volume specs
Edit the 'Volumes' nodes to match your specific 'configMap' or 'Secret' naming conventions used in your deployment manifests.
Frequently asked questions
The template clarifies that ephemeral storage, such as 'emptyDir' or 'secrets', is tied to the Pod's lifetime and is deleted upon Pod termination. In contrast, durable storage managed via 'Persistent Volumes' ensures data is preserved and can be remounted to new Pods even after the original Pod is removed.
It outlines how 'PersistentVolumeClaims' (PVCs) allow developers to request storage resources dynamically. The mind map explains that these claims can automatically trigger the creation of 'Persistent Disks' in Google Cloud, simplifying the storage attachment process for clusters.
Yes, the template includes specific nodes for 'Secret' and 'DownwardAPI' volume types. It describes how to make sensitive information like OAuth tokens and SSH keys available to applications securely within the Kubernetes environment.
Absolutely. With 101 nodes covering storage abstractions, volume sources, and Google Cloud integration, it provides the technical depth required for understanding GKE storage architecture and passing professional cloud architect exams.
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