Scaling NFs: HPA, custom metrics, active sessions, signaling load

Horizontal Pod Autoscaling Fundamentals

Kubernetes Horizontal Pod Autoscaler automatically adjusts the number of pod replicas based on observed metrics, enabling network functions to scale with demand. The HPA controller periodically queries metrics, compares current values against target thresholds, and calculates the desired replica count using a stabilization algorithm that prevents rapid fluctuations. For telecom workloads, HPA enables NFs to handle traffic surges during peak hours, mass events, or emergency situations by dynamically adding capacity, then scaling down during quiet periods to reduce resource consumption and…