Multi-Region Clusters with Confluent Platform 5.4

Confluent Platform 5.4 introduces Multi-Region Clusters, enhancing Apache Kafka's capabilities for multi-datacenter configurations by incorporating features such as Follower Fetching, Observers, and Replica Placement. This update allows for synchronous or asynchronous data replication on a per-region basis, improving data durability and simplifying disaster recovery operations. Follower Fetching reduces cross-WAN traffic by enabling consumers to read from local replicas, while Observers act as asynchronous replicas that enhance data locality and disaster recovery without impacting durability. The new JSON-based replica placement strategy further refines replica assignments, enabling precise control over data distribution across regions. Additionally, the release addresses potential latency issues with ZooKeeper in multi-regional setups and highlights future improvements with the anticipated removal of ZooKeeper, as discussed in the KIP-500 proposal. These advancements aim to streamline infrastructure operations and reduce the operational overhead associated with running Kafka across multiple data centers.