Answer
IPVS uses kernel-level load balancing, faster for large clusters; iptables uses rule chains.
Quick Answer
iptables mode: for each Service, kube-proxy adds chains of iptables rules that DNAT traffic. With many Services, traversing many chains per packet adds latency and CPU overhead. IPVS mode: uses the kernel's IPVS module (L4 load balancer) — lookup is O(1) via a hash table instead of O(n) through iptables chains. Much faster at 10,000+ Services.
S
SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ