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CKA Task 9 - Recover a NotReady Node

Objective

Assume node worker2 is not currently available. Ensure the appropriate service is started so that the node becomes Ready again.

Step 1 - Check Node Status

kubectl get nodes

Example output:

NAME      STATUS
cp1       Ready
worker1   Ready
worker2   NotReady
INSERT SCREENSHOT: kubectl get nodes showing worker2 NotReady

Step 2 - Connect to Worker2

ssh worker2
INSERT SCREENSHOT: SSH Session to worker2

Step 3 - Check the Kubelet Service

The kubelet is responsible for communicating with the Kubernetes control plane. If it is stopped, the node usually shows as NotReady. 

sudo systemctl status kubelet

Possible output:

Active: inactive (dead)
INSERT SCREENSHOT: Kubelet Service Stopped

Step 4 - Start the Kubelet Service

sudo systemctl start kubelet

Verify that it started successfully:

sudo systemctl status kubelet

Expected output:

Active: active (running)
INSERT SCREENSHOT: Kubelet Service Running

Step 5 - Enable Kubelet at Boot

Optional but considered good practice:

sudo systemctl enable kubelet
INSERT SCREENSHOT: Kubelet Enabled

Step 6 - Verify Node Recovery

Return to the control plane node and check the status:

kubectl get nodes

Expected output:

NAME      STATUS
cp1       Ready
worker1   Ready
worker2   Ready
INSERT SCREENSHOT: worker2 Ready

Troubleshooting Commands

If worker2 is still NotReady after starting kubelet, investigate further.

Check Kubelet Logs

sudo journalctl -u kubelet -xe

Check Container Runtime

sudo systemctl status containerd

Start Container Runtime if Needed

sudo systemctl start containerd
INSERT SCREENSHOT: Additional Troubleshooting

CKA Fast Solution

kubectl get nodes

ssh worker2

sudo systemctl start kubelet

exit

kubectl get nodes
Exam Tip:
When a task states that a node is unavailable and asks for the appropriate service to be started, the answer is very often the kubelet service. Always verify with:

sudo systemctl status kubelet

What This Task Tests

Personal Notes

Add your own observations, troubleshooting notes, and screenshots.