Modern DevOps teams need flexible infrastructure that works across different environments without vendor lock-in. Hybrid DevOps architecture lets you run GitLab on Kubernetes while spreading workloads between your data center and AWS EKS clusters, giving you the best of both worlds.
This guide is for DevOps engineers, platform architects, and infrastructure teams who want to deploy GitLab on Kubernetes across hybrid environments. You’ll learn how to set up a robust CI/CD pipeline that can handle sensitive workloads on-premises while taking advantage of cloud scalability when needed.
We’ll walk through AWS EKS cluster setup and show you how to connect it seamlessly with your existing on-premises Kubernetes integration. You’ll also discover multi-cluster GitLab management strategies that keep your development workflow smooth across both environments. Finally, we’ll cover DevOps security best practices and share our GitLab troubleshooting guide to help you avoid common pitfalls that trip up hybrid deployments.
Understanding Hybrid DevOps Architecture Benefits
Cost Optimization Through Multi-Cloud Strategy
Organizations running GitLab on Kubernetes across hybrid environments can cut infrastructure costs by 30-40% through strategic workload placement. Development and testing environments run cost-effectively on-premises while production workloads leverage AWS EKS for auto-scaling capabilities. This approach eliminates over-provisioning in traditional single-cloud setups and allows teams to optimize resource allocation based on actual usage patterns rather than peak capacity estimates.
Enhanced Security with On-Premises Control
Hybrid DevOps architecture gives organizations complete control over sensitive data while maintaining cloud agility. Critical source code, proprietary algorithms, and compliance-heavy workloads stay within on-premises Kubernetes clusters, meeting strict regulatory requirements. GitLab’s multi-cluster management enables secure CI/CD pipelines that process sensitive data locally while leveraging cloud resources for non-critical operations, creating a security-first approach without sacrificing development velocity.
Improved Scalability and Flexibility Options
Multi-cluster GitLab management provides unmatched flexibility for handling varying workload demands. Peak development periods can burst into AWS EKS clusters while maintaining baseline operations on-premises. This hybrid approach supports geographical distribution of development teams, reduces latency for global users, and enables disaster recovery scenarios. Teams can scale individual components independently, deploying GitLab runners on EKS during heavy CI/CD periods while keeping GitLab instances stable on dedicated hardware.
Reduced Vendor Lock-in Risks
Running GitLab across multiple Kubernetes environments eliminates single-vendor dependency and provides negotiation leverage with cloud providers. Organizations maintain operational expertise across different platforms, making migration decisions based on business needs rather than technical constraints. This strategy protects against service outages, pricing changes, and policy modifications from any single provider while ensuring DevOps workflows remain consistent regardless of underlying infrastructure changes.
Prerequisites for GitLab Kubernetes Deployment
Required Technical Skills and Knowledge
Your team needs solid expertise in Kubernetes fundamentals, including pod orchestration, service discovery, and YAML configuration management. GitLab on Kubernetes deployment requires understanding of Helm charts, container networking, and persistent volume management. AWS EKS cluster setup demands familiarity with IAM roles, VPC configuration, and cloud networking concepts. Multi-cluster GitLab management skills become essential for hybrid cloud DevOps environments. Experience with CI/CD pipelines, Docker containerization, and infrastructure-as-code practices will streamline your deployment process significantly.
Infrastructure Requirements and Specifications
Your on-premises Kubernetes cluster needs at least 16GB RAM and 8 CPU cores per node for optimal GitLab performance. Storage requirements include 100GB SSD for GitLab data persistence and 50GB for container registry operations. AWS EKS integration requires VPC with proper subnet configuration, NAT gateways, and internet gateway setup. Network connectivity between clusters demands VPN or dedicated connections with minimum 100Mbps bandwidth. Load balancers and ingress controllers are mandatory for traffic distribution across your hybrid infrastructure setup.
Essential Tools and Software Dependencies
Install kubectl, Helm 3.x, and Docker for container management and GitLab EKS installation workflows. AWS CLI and eksctl streamline your EKS cluster creation and management tasks. GitLab Runner registration requires proper authentication tokens and network access configuration. Monitoring tools like Prometheus and Grafana help track performance across your hybrid DevOps architecture. Additional dependencies include cert-manager for SSL certificates, ingress-nginx for traffic routing, and backup solutions for data protection across both environments.
Setting Up Your On-Premises Kubernetes Cluster
Hardware Requirements and Cluster Planning
Building a robust on-premises Kubernetes integration starts with proper hardware sizing and capacity planning. Your master nodes need at least 4 CPU cores and 8GB RAM, while worker nodes should have 8+ cores and 16GB RAM to handle GitLab workloads effectively. Plan for high availability by deploying three master nodes across different physical hosts. Storage requirements vary, but allocate at least 100GB SSD storage per node for optimal performance. Network bandwidth between nodes should support 1Gbps minimum connections. Consider your GitLab user base size when calculating total cluster resources – a typical setup supporting 100-500 users needs 6-8 worker nodes with proper load distribution.
Kubernetes Installation and Configuration Steps
Start your Kubernetes deployment using kubeadm for simplified cluster initialization and management. Install Docker or containerd as your container runtime, then configure kubelet on all nodes before running cluster initialization commands. Set up your control plane first, then join worker nodes using the generated tokens. Configure kubectl access and install essential networking plugins like Calico or Flannel for pod communication. Enable RBAC controls and create dedicated namespaces for GitLab components. Apply resource quotas and limit ranges to prevent resource exhaustion. Install metrics-server for monitoring and horizontal pod autoscaling capabilities across your hybrid cloud DevOps environment.
Network Security and Access Controls
Network security forms the backbone of your on-premises Kubernetes integration with AWS EKS clusters. Configure firewall rules to allow only necessary traffic between cluster nodes and external systems. Implement network policies to isolate GitLab namespaces and restrict inter-pod communication. Set up VPN tunnels or private connections to AWS for secure hybrid connectivity. Use ingress controllers with SSL termination for encrypted external access to GitLab services. Configure service mesh solutions like Istio for advanced traffic management and security policies. Enable audit logging to track all API server requests and maintain compliance standards for your DevOps security best practices implementation.
Storage Solutions for GitLab Components
GitLab requires persistent storage for repositories, artifacts, and database components across your multi-cluster GitLab management setup. Deploy dynamic storage provisioning using CSI drivers that support ReadWriteMany access modes for shared components. Configure separate storage classes for different performance tiers – use SSD-backed storage for PostgreSQL and Redis, while repositories can use slower but larger capacity storage. Implement backup strategies using volume snapshots or external backup solutions. Consider distributed storage systems like Ceph or GlusterFS for high availability. Plan storage scaling to accommodate repository growth and artifact retention policies. Ensure storage encryption at rest meets your security requirements for sensitive code repositories and CI/CD data.
Configuring AWS EKS for Hybrid Integration
EKS Cluster Creation and Setup Process
Creating an AWS EKS cluster for hybrid GitLab deployment requires careful planning and configuration. Start by using the AWS CLI or console to initialize your EKS cluster with the appropriate Kubernetes version that matches your on-premises setup. Configure the cluster with managed node groups for scalability and automated updates. Enable cluster logging to CloudWatch for monitoring and debugging purposes. Set up the cluster endpoint configuration to allow both public and private access, ensuring your on-premises infrastructure can communicate securely with the EKS cluster. Install the AWS Load Balancer Controller and EBS CSI driver as essential add-ons for GitLab functionality.
IAM Roles and Security Group Configuration
Proper IAM role configuration forms the security backbone of your AWS EKS cluster setup. Create a dedicated EKS cluster service role with the necessary policies including AmazonEKSClusterPolicy. Configure worker node IAM roles with AmazonEKSWorkerNodePolicy, AmazonEKS_CNI_Policy, and AmazonEC2ContainerRegistryReadOnly policies. Set up security groups that allow communication between cluster components while restricting unnecessary access. Create custom security group rules for GitLab-specific ports including HTTP, HTTPS, and SSH access. Implement pod security policies to control container privileges and resource access within the cluster environment.
VPC and Networking Requirements
Network architecture plays a critical role in hybrid cloud DevOps success. Design your VPC with both public and private subnets across multiple availability zones for high availability. Configure NAT gateways in public subnets to enable outbound internet access for private subnet resources. Set up VPC peering or AWS Transit Gateway connections to establish secure communication channels with your on-premises infrastructure. Implement proper DNS configuration using Route 53 or hybrid DNS solutions. Configure network ACLs and routing tables to control traffic flow between different network segments and ensure optimal performance for GitLab operations.
Cost Management and Resource Optimization
Managing costs in AWS EKS requires strategic resource planning and continuous monitoring. Use AWS Cost Explorer and billing alerts to track spending patterns and identify optimization opportunities. Implement cluster autoscaling to automatically adjust node capacity based on workload demands. Choose appropriate EC2 instance types based on your GitLab workload requirements, considering compute-optimized instances for CPU-intensive tasks. Leverage Spot Instances for non-critical workloads to reduce costs significantly. Set up resource quotas and limits to prevent unexpected charges. Use AWS Savings Plans or Reserved Instances for predictable workloads to achieve substantial cost reductions.
Integration Points with On-Premises Infrastructure
Successful hybrid integration requires establishing reliable connectivity between AWS EKS and on-premises systems. Set up AWS Direct Connect or VPN connections for secure, high-bandwidth communication channels. Configure hybrid DNS resolution to enable seamless service discovery across environments. Implement shared storage solutions using AWS EFS or S3 for GitLab repositories and artifacts. Set up monitoring and logging aggregation using tools like Prometheus and Grafana to maintain visibility across both environments. Configure backup and disaster recovery strategies that span both on-premises and cloud infrastructure. Establish network policies and firewall rules that maintain security while enabling necessary cross-environment communication for GitLab operations.
GitLab Installation and Configuration Strategies
Helm Chart Deployment Methods
Deploying GitLab on Kubernetes through Helm charts offers the most streamlined approach for hybrid cloud DevOps environments. The official GitLab Helm chart provides comprehensive configuration options for both AWS EKS cluster setup and on-premises Kubernetes integration. Start by adding the GitLab Helm repository and customizing values.yaml files for each environment. For production deployments, consider using separate charts for GitLab core components and runners to maintain better resource isolation. The Helm approach simplifies GitLab on Kubernetes deployment by handling complex service dependencies, persistent volume claims, and ingress configurations automatically across your hybrid infrastructure.
Database and Redis Configuration Options
External database and Redis configurations are critical for multi-cluster GitLab management scenarios. PostgreSQL databases can run on Amazon RDS for the EKS cluster while maintaining on-premises PostgreSQL instances for local workloads. Redis clustering ensures session persistence and job queue reliability across environments. Configure connection pooling and SSL encryption between GitLab instances and their respective databases. For hybrid setups, consider database replication strategies that maintain data consistency while respecting compliance requirements. Memory allocation for Redis should account for repository caching and CI/CD job queuing demands specific to each cluster’s workload patterns.
GitLab Runner Setup for Both Environments
GitLab Runner configuration requires environment-specific approaches for optimal performance in hybrid DevOps architecture. Deploy runners as Kubernetes pods using the GitLab Runner Helm chart, configuring separate runner tokens for each cluster. AWS EKS runners can leverage spot instances for cost-effective CI/CD workloads, while on-premises runners provide consistent performance for sensitive builds. Configure runner executors to match your infrastructure capabilities – Kubernetes executors for containerized jobs and shell executors for legacy applications. Implement runner tags to route specific jobs to appropriate environments, ensuring compliance-sensitive workloads remain on-premises while leveraging cloud scalability for development pipelines.
Implementing Multi-Cluster GitLab Management
Load Balancing Between Clusters
Setting up effective load distribution across your hybrid GitLab infrastructure requires strategic placement of ingress controllers and traffic management policies. Deploy NGINX or HAProxy load balancers at the edge to intelligently route requests based on cluster health, geographical proximity, and current resource utilization. Configure health checks that monitor GitLab service availability across both on-premises Kubernetes and AWS EKS environments. Implement weighted routing algorithms that can shift traffic seamlessly during maintenance windows or cluster failures. Use DNS-based load balancing for global traffic distribution, ensuring users connect to the nearest healthy cluster while maintaining session affinity for GitLab web interface consistency.
Data Synchronization and Backup Strategies
Multi-cluster GitLab management demands robust data replication mechanisms to maintain consistency across environments. Configure PostgreSQL streaming replication between clusters using secure VPN tunnels or AWS PrivateLink connections. Implement Redis Sentinel for session data synchronization and high availability caching across your hybrid infrastructure. Set up automated GitLab backup procedures using object storage services like AWS S3 or MinIO for cross-cluster data recovery capabilities. Deploy Velero or similar tools for Kubernetes-native backup solutions that capture both application data and cluster configurations. Schedule regular disaster recovery testing to validate backup integrity and restoration procedures across different cluster environments.
CI/CD Pipeline Distribution Logic
Design intelligent pipeline routing strategies that optimize resource utilization across your hybrid Kubernetes clusters. Configure GitLab Runner pools with appropriate tags and resource specifications for different workload types – CPU-intensive builds on high-performance on-premises nodes, while leveraging AWS EKS for scalable integration testing. Implement pipeline rules that consider data locality, security requirements, and cost optimization when selecting execution environments. Use GitLab’s pipeline schedules and conditional logic to distribute workloads based on cluster availability and performance metrics. Create dedicated runner groups for sensitive workloads that must remain on-premises while allowing public repository builds to run on cloud infrastructure.
Monitoring and Logging Across Environments
Establish centralized observability across your hybrid GitLab deployment using Prometheus federation and Grafana dashboards. Deploy monitoring agents on both on-premises and EKS clusters to collect metrics from GitLab services, Kubernetes components, and underlying infrastructure. Configure log aggregation using ELK stack or AWS CloudWatch to provide unified visibility into application performance and system events. Set up alerting rules that account for network latency differences between clusters and create runbooks for common hybrid deployment scenarios. Implement distributed tracing with tools like Jaeger to track request flows across cluster boundaries and identify performance bottlenecks in your multi-cluster GitLab management setup.
Security and Compliance Best Practices
Secret Management Across Clusters
Protecting sensitive data in hybrid GitLab deployments requires centralized secret management across both on-premises and AWS EKS environments. Tools like HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager provide encrypted storage and rotation capabilities, while Kubernetes-native solutions like External Secrets Operator sync credentials between clusters. Configure GitLab to authenticate with these systems using service accounts and implement least-privilege access policies. Store database passwords, API keys, and certificates in dedicated secret stores rather than hardcoding them in configuration files. Set up automated secret rotation schedules and monitor access patterns to detect potential security breaches early.
Network Policies and Access Controls
Network segmentation becomes critical when managing GitLab across multiple environments, requiring careful planning of traffic flows between clusters. Implement Kubernetes NetworkPolicies to restrict pod-to-pod communication and configure ingress controllers with proper SSL termination. Set up VPN connections or private network links between your on-premises infrastructure and AWS EKS to secure inter-cluster communication. Use service mesh technologies like Istio for advanced traffic management and mutual TLS encryption. Configure firewall rules to allow only necessary ports and protocols, and implement zero-trust principles where every connection requires explicit authorization regardless of network location.
Compliance Requirements and Auditing
Meeting regulatory standards in hybrid cloud DevOps environments demands comprehensive logging and audit trail capabilities across all GitLab components. Enable detailed audit logging for user actions, configuration changes, and system events in both Kubernetes clusters and GitLab instances. Implement centralized log aggregation using tools like Elasticsearch or AWS CloudWatch to correlate events across environments. Set up automated compliance scanning for container images and infrastructure configurations to catch policy violations early. Document access procedures, maintain change management records, and establish regular security assessments to satisfy frameworks like SOC 2, PCI DSS, or GDPR requirements while supporting your DevOps workflows.
Troubleshooting Common Hybrid Deployment Issues
Connectivity Problems Between Clusters
Network connectivity issues between on-premises and AWS EKS clusters often stem from VPN tunnel instability, DNS resolution failures, and firewall misconfigurations. Check your VPC peering connections and ensure security groups allow GitLab traffic on ports 80, 443, and 22. Verify BGP routes are properly propagated and test connectivity using kubectl commands. NAT gateway configurations can also cause intermittent connection drops when GitLab runners attempt cross-cluster communication.
Performance Optimization Techniques
GitLab on Kubernetes deployment performance relies heavily on proper resource allocation and network latency management. Configure CPU and memory limits based on your concurrent pipeline loads – typically 4GB RAM and 2 CPU cores per GitLab runner. Use local storage classes for Redis and PostgreSQL to reduce I/O bottlenecks. Implement pod anti-affinity rules to distribute GitLab components across nodes and enable horizontal pod autoscaling for GitLab runners during peak build times.
Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions
Multi-cluster GitLab management requires robust backup strategies spanning both environments. Schedule automated GitLab configuration backups using kubectl and store them in S3 with cross-region replication. Implement Velero for complete cluster state snapshots and test restoration procedures monthly. Create GitLab disaster recovery runbooks that include database failover steps, certificate renewal processes, and runner re-registration commands. Maintain identical GitLab versions across clusters to ensure seamless failover capabilities.
GitLab on Kubernetes offers a powerful way to bridge your on-premises infrastructure with cloud resources, giving you the best of both worlds. By setting up this hybrid approach, you get better control over sensitive data while still tapping into AWS EKS’s scalability and managed services. The key is getting your clusters talking to each other properly and making sure GitLab can manage workloads across both environments smoothly.
Success with this setup comes down to solid planning and attention to security details. Make sure you’ve got your networking sorted out, your authentication configured correctly, and your backup strategies in place before you go live. Start small with a test environment, work through the common pitfalls we covered, and gradually expand your deployment. Once you’ve got everything running smoothly, you’ll have a DevOps platform that can handle whatever your team throws at it while keeping your most important assets exactly where you want them.
