AWS Container Services Unveiled: EC2 on ECS vs Fargate Explained
Tags: cloud, cloudskills, containers, aws
Published: 2023-12-09 10:26:31

In the vast ocean of cloud computing, two notable ships, AWS EC2 on ECS and Fargate, often sail together but chart different courses. This article serves as a compass to help you navigate these technologies and understand when it’s best to set sail with one or the other.

**A Deeper Dive into ECS: The Heart of Container Management**

**Elastic Container Service (ECS)** is not just an island in the AWS archipelago; it’s a bustling port city for Docker containers. ECS simplifies the way you can run, manage, and scale containerized applications.

**What is ECS?**

ECS is a highly scalable, high-performance container orchestration service. It supports Docker containers and allows you to easily run and scale containerized applications on AWS. ECS eliminates the need to install and operate your own container orchestration software, manage and scale a cluster of virtual machines, or schedule containers on those machines.

**Popular Uses of ECS**

- **Microservices Applications**: ECS is ideal for running microservices architectures due to its high scalability and performance. It allows each microservice to be packaged as a container and then managed and scaled independently.

- **Batch Processing**: For batch processing workloads, ECS efficiently manages the batch jobs, scaling up or down as needed, ensuring that your jobs are processed quickly and cost-effectively.

- **Machine Learning**: Running machine learning models in containers on ECS allows for easy scaling and management of resources, making it a popular choice for ML workloads.

- **Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)**: ECS can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines, providing a consistent environment for building, testing, and deploying applications.

**EC2: The Traditional Vessel**

Using **EC2 on ECS** is akin to having your own ship. You have total control over the type of ship, its maintenance, and its navigation. This approach is perfect for those who are familiar with the seas and want complete freedom.

One example:

Deploying a Docker container for a web application on EC2 instances within ECS is like navigating familiar waters with your own fleet.

**Fargate: The Automated Cruise Liner**

**Fargate** is the automated cruise liner of the ECS world. It takes care of the ship’s steering and maintenance, allowing you to enjoy the journey. Fargate manages the underlying infrastructure, so you can focus on your containers and applications.

One example:

Running a batch processing job with multiple containers on Fargate is like specifying the number of rooms you need on a cruise liner, without worrying about the ship’s operations.

**Navigational Terms in ECS**

- **Task**: The basic unit of deployment in ECS, representing a running Docker container.

- **Task Definition**: A blueprint for your tasks, specifying Docker images, CPU, memory, and more.

- **Service**: Manages the number of tasks, ensuring they are running and replacing any that fail.

- **Cluster**: A logical grouping of tasks or services. In EC2, it’s a group of containers; in Fargate, it’s a group of tasks.

**Friendly Guide to the Differences: EC2 on ECS vs Fargate**

Navigating the choices between EC2 on ECS and Fargate can be like choosing between two advanced yachts with different features. Let’s break down their differences in a friendly, easy-to-understand manner.

**Control vs Convenience: The Captain’s Dilemma**

- **Control (EC2 on ECS)**: Imagine being the captain of your own ship. You decide everything – from the size of the ship to the crew members. This is what EC2 on ECS offers. You have complete control over the EC2 instances that your containers run on. This means you can optimize for specific types of workloads, manage security settings, and handle the maintenance.

- **Convenience (Fargate)**: Now, imagine boarding a luxury yacht where everything is taken care of for you. This is Fargate. You don’t have to worry about the underlying servers or clusters. You just specify the resources your containers need, and Fargate handles the rest. It’s like having an automated crew that takes care of all the technical details.

**Cost Considerations: The Price of the Voyage**

- **Cost (EC2 on ECS)**: Using EC2 instances can be more cost-effective for long-running workloads with stable resource usage. It’s like owning a yacht – there’s an upfront investment, but it’s efficient in the long run if you use it frequently.

- **Cost (Fargate)**: Fargate charges based on the resources your containers use. This is like renting a yacht only when you need it. It can be more cost-effective for short-term, sporadic, or unpredictable workloads.

**Security and Compliance: Navigating the Safe Waters**

- **Security (EC2 on ECS)**: With EC2, you’re in charge of security. This means you can implement custom security measures tailored to your organization’s needs.

- **Security (Fargate)**: Fargate provides a high level of security by default. AWS manages the security of the infrastructure, which can be a relief if you don’t have specialized security expertise.

**When to Choose EC2 vs Fargate**

**Set Sail with EC2 on ECS When:**

- **Utilizing Existing EC2 Instances**: If you already have EC2 instances, it makes sense to use them with ECS.

- **Predictable, High Utilization Workloads**: For long-running services with predictable traffic, EC2 offers cost-effectiveness and control.

- **Need for Full Control**: If your organization requires tight control over the infrastructure, EC2 is your ship.

**Embark with Fargate When:**

- **Ease of Setup and Maintenance**: Fargate is ideal for those who prefer to focus on the application rather than on infrastructure management.

- **Variable, Short-Term Workloads**: For tasks with unpredictable utilization or short durations, Fargate offers flexibility and efficiency.

- **Serverless Benefits**: If you’re looking for a solution that scales automatically and charges based on resource consumption, Fargate is suitable.

**Parting Insights: EC2 on ECS and Fargate:**

Both EC2 on ECS and Fargate offer unique advantages depending on your specific needs. EC2 provides control and is ideal for predictable, long-term workloads, while Fargate offers ease of use and flexibility for variable, short-term tasks. Understanding these differences will help you chart the right course in your cloud journey.