kubernetes-sigs/kubespray

Refactor the variables around the apiserver loadbalancer.

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#12883 opened on Jan 20, 2026

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Description

What would you like to be added

Kubespray currently exposes several variables related to the loadbalancer of the apiserver (which can be configured separately by the user, or handled with a localhost LB on each node). Those are:

loadbalancer_apiserver.address:
loadbalancer_apiserver.port:
apiserver_loadbalancer_domain_name:
kubeadm_config_api_fqdn: # mostly internal use

These variables are inconsistent and should to be changed, to use two variables only in all Kubespray

# variables names are only suggestionsu
kube_apiserver_endpoint: # used to access the api from outside. Should use sane default for HA, non HA, localhost LB.
kube_apiserver_cluster_internal_endpoint: # used to access the api from inside the cluster (nodes, pod with hostNetwork). Optionnal, default to kube_apiserver_endpoint / localhost LB.

Steps to make the changes:

  1. Come up with good variables names, replace in kubespray_defaults/defaults/main/main.yml
  2. Replace all use sites in kubespray.
  3. Update the documentation in docs/operations/ha-mode.md

@tico88612 @ant31 if you have remarks

Why is this needed

The current variables are inconsistent in naming and redundant (there is several instances of checks in Kubespray which are unobvious as a result).

If we actually need more fine-grained info (just the port for instance), we can use the ansible.builtin.urlsplit filter.

/good-first-issue /help

Contributor guide

Tech stack
kubernetesshell
Domain
infrastructuredevops
Issue type
refactor
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
3
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-2 days
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
blocked
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
Ansible basicsKubernetes cluster conceptsYAML syntax
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
60
Research direction
The issue proposes to refactor variables related to the apiserver loadbalancer. Start by examining the current variables in `kubespray defaults/defaults/main/main.yml` and their usage across the codebase. Propose new variable names as suggested (e.g., `kube apiserver endpoint` and `kube apiserver cluster internal endpoint`). Then replace all occurrences using `grep` or similar, ensuring to update `docs/operations/ha mode.md`. Review comments from @tico88612 and @ant31 for additional context. Since the issue has an assignee, check if they have started work or if there is an open PR.