KubeEdge

KubeEdge is an open-source platform that extends Kubernetes from the cloud to the edge, enabling management and execution of cloud-native workloads on edge devices with intermittent connectivity. It provides a framework for running containerized apps close to data sources while remaining under centralized policy and monitoring through a Kubernetes-based control plane.

Its architecture introduces a cloud component and edge components. The cloud component, known as CloudCore, runs in a central Kubernetes cluster and translates cloud-native resources into edge-friendly representations, provisioning and coordinating edge nodes. The edge component set includes EdgeCore, which runs on edge devices to execute workloads and manage local state, and EdgeHub, a messaging bridge that connects CloudCore to EdgeCore using a lightweight protocol. EdgeMesh handles service discovery and networking across edge nodes.

Operation involves CloudCore creating desired state for workloads; EdgeCore pulls and runs corresponding pods locally, with status and telemetry reported back to the cloud. The design supports offline operation and local decision-making, with synchronization when connectivity returns. Security features include mutual TLS, device identity, and role-based access control to protect interactions between cloud and edge.

KubeEdge enables scenarios such as remote manufacturing, IoT gateways, and edge analytics by providing Kubernetes-native tooling at the edge. It is licensed under the Apache 2.0 license and is maintained by an open-source community with contributions from organizations and individuals.