Creating Cluster on Azure Portal

Creating a Service Fabric Cluster on Azure Portal

After working locally, it’s time to create a real Azure Service Fabric Cluster. A cluster on Azure allows you to deploy your applications globally, at scale, with built-in security, load balancing, and high availability.

🌐 What is an Azure Service Fabric Cluster?

A Service Fabric Cluster in Azure is a group of virtual machines (VMs) that run your microservices securely and reliably. It acts as the backbone for hosting services like:

• Web APIs
• Background services
• Containers (e.g., Docker apps)
• Actor-based systems

Real-World Analogy:

Imagine setting up a "City" (Cluster) where different "Buildings" (Nodes) host different types of "Businesses" (Services). Azure ensures the "City" has power, security, and maintenance — you only focus on running your "Business".

🛠️ Prerequisites

• Active Azure Subscription (Free Trial or Paid).
• Resource Group already created (optional but recommended).
• Basic familiarity with Azure Portal UI.

🚀 Step-by-Step: Creating a Cluster

Step 1: Log into Azure Portal

Go to portal.azure.com and sign in with your Azure account.

Step 2: Search for "Service Fabric Clusters"

In the Azure search bar, type "Service Fabric Clusters" and select the result.

Step 3: Click "+ Create" to Start New Cluster Wizard

You'll be taken to a guided setup wizard with multiple tabs.

Step 4: Basics Tab - Fill Cluster Information

• Subscription: Select your Azure subscription.
• Resource Group: Create a new group (e.g., sf-cluster-rg) or use an existing one.
• Cluster Name: (e.g., myservicefabriccluster)
• Region: Choose a region close to you (e.g., East US, West Europe).
• Orchestration Type: Service Fabric Cluster

Step 5: Cluster Configuration Tab

• Cluster Size: Choose the number of nodes (recommend starting with 5 for production, but 3 for testing).
• VM Size: Choose small VMs like Standard D2s v3 for testing.
• Durability Tier: Bronze (for development) / Silver/Gold (for production).
• Reliability Tier: Silver (minimum recommended).

Step 6: Node Type Details

• Primary Node Type: Define the number of VMs and storage type (SSD preferred).
• VM Username/Password: Set admin credentials to access the machines later.

Step 7: Security Settings

• Certificate: For development, you can skip strict security (unsecure cluster for testing only).
• Production: Always use SSL certificates to encrypt node communication.

Step 8: Review and Create

• Click "Review + Create".
• Wait for validation to pass.
• Click "Create" to deploy the cluster!

📈 Visual Flow of Cluster Creation

Azure Portal → Service Fabric Clusters → Create New → Fill Basics → Configure Cluster → Define Nodes → Security Settings → Review → Create
    

💡 Did You Know?

⚡ Common Beginner Mistakes and Solutions

• Problem: Cluster stuck in "Deploying".
  Solution: VM SKU quotas might be exceeded — check your subscription quotas.
• Problem: Forgot to save admin password.
  Solution: You must redeploy — passwords cannot be recovered.
• Problem: Certificate error while deploying.
  Solution: Choose "Unsecure Cluster" only for development. For production, create and upload valid certificates.

🚨 Important Tips

• Cost: Azure clusters can incur real cost even if idle! Shut down when not in use for development clusters.
• Regions: Choose region close to your users for best latency.
• Security: Never use Unsecure Clusters in production environments!

✅ Final Cluster Creation Checklist

• Cluster visible under Azure Resource Groups ✔️
• Cluster endpoint URL accessible ✔️
• Service Fabric Explorer loads without error ✔️

✅ Self-Check Quiz

• What is the minimum recommended cluster size for production?
• Why should you use SSL certificates in a production cluster?
• What is the purpose of Service Fabric Explorer?