Installing k3s: Lightweight Kubernetes

k3s is a lightweight Kubernetes distribution designed by Rancher Labs. It's perfect for our workshop environment—providing full Kubernetes functionality while using minimal resources. In this guide, you'll install k3s on your assigned VM and verify that your cluster is running.

Step 0: Connect to Your VM

Each workshop participant has their own virtual machine. Connect using SSH:

ssh ubuntu@dj-viscon-workshop-0.vsos.ethz.ch

Replace 0 with your assigned participant number. You'll be working as the ubuntu user throughout the workshop.

Step 1: Install k3s

The official k3s installation script handles everything automatically:

curl -sfL https://get.k3s.io | sh -s - server \
  --write-kubeconfig-mode 644

This single command will:

• Download the latest k3s binary
• Configure systemd services
• Start the k3s server

Step 2: Verify Installation

Check that k3s is running:

sudo systemctl status k3s

You should see active (running) in the output.

Verify your Kubernetes cluster:

kubectl get nodes

Your node should appear with status Ready. Congratulations—you now have a working Kubernetes cluster!

Understanding k3s

k3s achieves its lightweight footprint by:

• Packaging everything into a single binary (< 100MB)
• Including Traefik as the default ingress controller

Despite these optimizations, k3s is fully certified Kubernetes and supports all standard workloads.

Next Steps

With k3s installed and verified, you're ready to deploy your application! Continue to Step 5: Deploy Your App to Kubernetes to create Deployments and Services that run your application in the cluster.