Istio vs Kong vs linkerd: What are the differences?

Introduction

Istio, Kong, and Linkerd are all service mesh platforms that provide various features and functionalities for managing and securing microservices-based applications. While they have similarities, there are several key differences between them.

1. Installation and Configuration: Istio is usually installed and configured at the cluster level, providing a centralized control plane for managing traffic and security policies. Kong, on the other hand, is typically deployed as an API gateway and can be installed and configured per service or API. Linkerd follows a similar approach to Istio, but with a focus on simplicity and ease of use. Its installation and configuration are more lightweight compared to Istio.

2. Performance and Scalability: In terms of performance, Istio can be resource-intensive due to its rich set of features and functionalities. It is designed to handle large-scale deployments but may require additional resources. Kong has a lighter footprint and is known for its high performance and scalability. Linkerd is also designed to be lightweight and has a minimal overhead, making it a good choice for smaller deployments or resource-constrained environments.

3. API Management Capabilities: While all three platforms offer API management capabilities, Kong is specifically designed as an API gateway. It provides features such as request/response transformation, rate limiting, authentication, and developer portal out of the box. Istio and Linkerd have more limited API management functionalities, focusing primarily on service-to-service communication and traffic management.

4. Adoption and Community Support: Istio has gained significant adoption and has a mature and active open-source community. It is backed by major players such as Google, IBM, and Lyft. Kong also has a strong community and has been adopted by many organizations. Linkerd, while not as widely adopted as Istio or Kong, has an active and growing community and is gaining popularity for its simplicity and ease of use.

5. Ecosystem Integrations: Istio has a rich ecosystem of integrations and works well with other cloud-native technologies such as Kubernetes, Prometheus, and Jaeger. Kong also has a wide range of plugins and integrates with various technologies, including Kubernetes and Prometheus. Linkerd has a growing ecosystem of integrations but may have more limited options compared to Istio and Kong.

6. Community Support and Documentation: Istio has comprehensive documentation and a large user community, making it easier to find resources and support. Kong also has well-documented APIs and plugins, as well as an active community. Linkerd has a smaller community compared to Istio and Kong but provides a good level of documentation and support.

In Summary, Istio, Kong, and Linkerd are all powerful service mesh platforms with different focuses and strengths. Istio provides a comprehensive solution with a robust feature set, while Kong offers high performance and API management capabilities. Linkerd is known for its simplicity and lightweight approach, making it a good choice for smaller deployments.