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Introduction to Kong

Updated Feb 26, 2023 ·

Kong API Gateway​

Kong API Gateway is an open-source platform for managing, securing, and optimizing API traffic.

  • Handles high-performance API routing.
  • Provides security features like authentication and rate limiting.
  • Supports on-prem, cloud, and container deployments.
  • Extensible with plugins for monitoring and caching.

For more information, please see Kong API Gateway.

The Kong Way​

The diagram contrasts traditional API management with Kong's streamlined method for handling API functionality.

Integration​

  • Kubernetes

    • Manages ingress traffic for clusters.
    • Works with Kubernetes-native tools.
    • Streamlines API deployment and control.

  • Microservices Architecture

    • Supports service discovery and communication.
    • Optimizes performance with load balancing.

  • Programming Languages and Frameworks

    • Works with frameworks like Flask and Spring Boot.
    • Supports Python, Java, Node.js, and more.
    • Allows custom plugins and integrations.

Security Capabilities​

  • Authentication and Authorization

    • Supports OAuth2, JWT, and API keys.
    • Enforces API access control.

  • Encryption and Data Protection

    • Uses TLS for secure transmission.
    • Secures sensitive API data.

  • API Security Best Practices

    • Prevents abuse with rate limiting.
    • Monitors threats with logging.

Required Ports​

The following port must be opened:

PortServiceDescription
5432PostgreSQLUsed by PostgreSQL. If a running server is present, it must be stopped for Docker PostgreSQL.
8000Kong Gateway (HTTP)Kong gateway via plain HTTP.
8443Kong Gateway (HTTPS)Kong gateway via HTTPS.
8001Kong Admin APIKong Admin API interface.
8002Kong Manager UIKong Manager UI interface.

Kong Manager​

Kong Manager is a web-based GUI for managing and monitoring Kong API Gateway.

  • Simplifies API configuration and management.
  • Provides insights into API traffic and performance.
  • Allows quick setup of routes, services, and plugins.

Once you setup Kong, you'll be able to access the Kong Manager via:

<server-ip>:8002

Kong Admin API​

Kong Admin API is a RESTful interface for programmatically managing Kong.

  • Enables automation of API configurations.
  • Provides full control over routes, services, and plugins.
  • Integrates with CI/CD pipelines for dynamic deployments.

Postman​

Postman is not part of the Kong ecosystem, but it can be used to interact with APIs managed by Kong.

  • Tests APIs by sending HTTP requests to Kong Gateway.
  • Helps debug and validate API configurations.
  • Simplifies workflow testing for developers.

Konga​

Konga is a third-party UI for managing Kong API Gateway.

  • Offers an alternative interface for managing Kong.
  • Simplifies setting up services, routes, and plugins.
  • Supports monitoring and troubleshooting APIs.

To install Konga, please see Install Kong

Kong Plugins​

Kong Plugins extend Kong's functionality with additional features.

  • Provide security, logging, and traffic control enhancements.
  • Can be customized or developed to meet specific needs.
  • Support seamless integration with Kong Gateway.

Kong Ingress Controller​

The Kong Ingress Controller is a Kubernetes-native API gateway designed to manage traffic and security for containerized applications. As part of Kong’s ecosystem, it integrates seamlessly within the Data Plane alongside the Kong Gateway and Kong Mesh, providing robust traffic control for microservices running in Kubernetes.