Server Load Balancing

Definition

Server load balancing is the process of distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure optimal resource utilization, minimize response time, and avoid overload on any single server. This technique enhances performance and reliability by ensuring that no single server becomes a bottleneck while also providing redundancy in case one or more servers fail.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Load balancers can be implemented using hardware devices or software solutions, each having their pros and cons based on specific use cases.
2. An effective load balancing strategy can significantly enhance user experience by reducing wait times and increasing application responsiveness.
3. Round-robin and least connections are common algorithms used for distributing traffic among servers in a load balancing setup.
4. Load balancing is essential for scaling applications, as it allows for seamless integration of new servers to handle increased traffic without downtime.
5. In scenarios where servers fail, load balancers automatically reroute traffic to healthy servers, thus maintaining high availability.

Review Questions

• How does server load balancing improve the efficiency of handling network traffic?
  • Server load balancing improves efficiency by distributing incoming requests among multiple servers instead of directing all traffic to a single server. This distribution prevents any one server from becoming overloaded, which can lead to slower response times or failures. By effectively utilizing resources across servers, it not only optimizes performance but also enhances overall reliability and user experience.
• What are some common algorithms used in server load balancing, and how do they influence traffic distribution?
  • Common algorithms for server load balancing include round-robin, where requests are distributed sequentially among servers, and least connections, which directs traffic to the server with the fewest active connections. These algorithms influence traffic distribution by determining how new requests are assigned to servers based on current workloads, thereby optimizing resource use and improving response times.
• Evaluate the impact of server load balancing on application scalability and availability during peak traffic periods.
  • Server load balancing plays a crucial role in enhancing application scalability and availability during peak traffic periods. By distributing traffic across multiple servers, it allows applications to handle increased loads without degrading performance. Furthermore, if one or more servers become unavailable due to maintenance or failure, the load balancer ensures that traffic is redirected to operational servers. This seamless transition maintains service continuity and reduces downtime, thus providing a robust solution for high-demand environments.

Related terms

Throughput: The amount of data processed or transmitted by a system in a given amount of time, typically measured in requests per second.

Latency: The delay between the request for data and the receipt of that data, often influenced by the number of hops in a network and the load on each server.

High Availability: A system design approach that ensures a certain level of operational performance, usually uptime, for a higher than normal period.