Azure CNI (Container Networking Interface) is a networking model in Microsoft Azure that allows for better integration of container workloads with the Azure networking infrastructure. It is specifically designed to provide efficient networking for containerized applications running on Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and other container orchestration platforms.

Here are some key features and aspects of Azure CNI:

1. Integration with Azure VNet: Azure CNI enables seamless integration of AKS clusters with Azure Virtual Networks (VNets). Containers deployed within an AKS cluster can communicate with other Azure resources, including virtual machines, databases, and services, using the same Azure network.

2. IP Address Management: With Azure CNI, each pod (group of containers) in an AKS cluster receives an IP address from the Azure VNet’s address space. This allows for direct and efficient communication between pods, as well as between pods and other Azure resources.

3. Network Security: Azure CNI supports Azure Network Policy, which allows you to define network security policies for your AKS pods. You can control inbound and outbound traffic to and from pods, enhancing security.

4. Pod-Level Isolation: Each pod in an AKS cluster is isolated at the network level. This isolation ensures that pods have their own IP addresses and can communicate independently without affecting the networking of other pods.

5. Advanced Networking Scenarios: Azure CNI supports more complex networking scenarios, such as peering AKS clusters across VNets and connecting AKS clusters to on-premises networks using Azure ExpressRoute or VPN gateways.

6. Performance and Scalability: Azure CNI is designed to provide high network performance and scalability. It is suitable for demanding workloads and can scale to accommodate large numbers of pods.

7. Public IP Addresses: You can assign public IP addresses directly to Azure CNI pods, enabling internet access for specific containers when needed.

8. Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting: Azure Monitor and Azure Network Watcher provide tools and insights for monitoring and troubleshooting network connectivity and performance within AKS clusters using Azure CNI.

9. IP Address Management Mode: Azure CNI offers two IP address management modes: “kubenet” and “Azure CNI.” The “Azure CNI” mode is recommended for production workloads as it provides more advanced networking features.