# Managed Kubernetes quickstart

> Create a production-ready cluster with autoscaling node pools, protected load balancers and a free control plane.

Source: https://docs.avenlith.com/en/kubernetes  
Category: Cloud platform  
Last updated: 2026-09-22

## Create a cluster

```bash
avenlith k8s create --name prod --region ist1 --version 1.34 \
  --pool name=general,plan=vps-pro,min=3,max=10
avenlith k8s kubeconfig prod > ~/.kube/avenlith-prod
export KUBECONFIG=~/.kube/avenlith-prod
kubectl get nodes
```

The control plane is highly available across three nodes and free of charge — you pay only for worker nodes.

## Expose a service

A `Service` of type `LoadBalancer` creates an Avenlith load balancer automatically. Annotations add Shield protection:

```yaml
apiVersion: v1
kind: Service
metadata:
  name: web
  annotations:
    avenlith.com/load-balancer-shield: "advanced"
spec:
  type: LoadBalancer
  selector: { app: web }
  ports:
    - port: 443
      targetPort: 8080
```

## Storage

The default storage class `avenlith-nvme` provisions replicated block volumes. Volumes follow pods between nodes in the same region.

> **Tip:** > Enable the cluster autoscaler per pool with `min` and `max`. Idle nodes are removed after 10 minutes.

## Upgrades

Minor versions are upgraded in a rolling fashion during your maintenance window. Nodes are drained one by one, respecting PodDisruptionBudgets.