Workload Dependency Map

The Workload Dependency Map visualizes how workloads communicate — another way to view query results. It aggregates indexed API calls into a dependency graph showing protocols, bandwidth, and throughput between workloads.

Like everything in Kubeshark, the map is driven by KFL queries. It reflects the active traffic source (real-time or an indexed snapshot) filtered by the current KFL query. The map updates in real-time as traffic flows.

Targeted Workloads Map

What It Shows

  • Dependencies — which workloads communicate with each other
  • Protocols — application-level protocols on each connection (HTTP, DNS, gRPC, Redis, Kafka), color-coded in the legend
  • Bandwidth — data volume between workloads
  • Throughput — packet rates between workloads

Display Options

Additional display options are available in the Settings dialog:

Map Settings

Grouping

The map can be grouped at different levels:

  • Namespace — group workloads by namespace
  • Node — group workloads by node
  • Pod / Service — show individual workload-level connections

Bandwidth Options

  • Bandwidth — toggle bandwidth metrics on connections
  • Show cumulative bandwidth — display cumulative bandwidth instead of rate
  • Include request sizes — include request sizes in bandwidth calculations
  • Include response sizes — include response sizes in bandwidth calculations

Filtering

Dense clusters can yield cluttered maps. Focus on specific parts of the cluster by: