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                     Understanding ClusterIP vs NodePort in Kubernetes
A Comparative Guide to Kubernetes Service Types
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What is a Kubernetes Service?
 Definition: A Kubernetes Service is an 
abstraction that defines a logical set of 
Pods and a policy to access them.
 Purpose: Enables communication 
between components or external clients.
• Why it matters: Ensures stable 
networking even if pod IPs change.
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Types of Kubernetes Services
 ClusterIP (Default)
 NodePort
 LoadBalancer
 ExternalName
(This presentation focuses on ClusterIP and NodePort)
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What is ClusterIP?
 Definition: Exposes the service on an 
internal IP in the cluster.
 Use case: Internal communication only 
(e.g., microservice-to-microservice).
 Accessibility: Not accessible from outside 
the cluster.
• Default service type.
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What is NodePort?
 Definition: Exposes the service on each Node’s IP at 
a static port.
 Use case: Access the service externally using 
:.
• Extension: Builds on top of ClusterIP internally.
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Key Differences - At a Glance
Feature ClusterIP NodePort
Accessibility Internal only External (via Node IP)
Default Yes No
Port Range Random in-cluster 30000–32767
Use Case Microservices Development/testing/demo
Security More secure (internal) Less secure (open ports)
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Visual Diagram
 Left side: Diagram of ClusterIP (Pods communicate 
internally).
• Right side: Diagram of NodePort (External user 
reaches service via Node IP and port).
(Use simple arrows and icons for clarity)
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When to Use Each?
 ClusterIP:
o For internal backend APIs
o For services only used by other pods
 NodePort:
o For exposing services during development
o For quick external access without 
LoadBalancer
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Summary
 ClusterIP = Internal only, default, more secure.
 NodePort = External access via static port.
• Choose based on your exposure needs and 
environment.
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