Load Balancing
Load balancing is the process of distributing incoming network traffic or computing tasks across multiple servers or resources to prevent any single one from becoming overwhelmed.
How it works
It works by using a dedicated device or software (a load balancer) that acts as a traffic cop, directing client requests to the most available and efficient server based on factors like current load or health. This is crucial for ensuring high availability, reliability, and fast response times for websites and applications, especially during traffic spikes.
Examples
- 1.A popular e-commerce website uses load balancing to handle millions of shoppers during a Black Friday sale without crashing.
- 2.A streaming service distributes video streams across a global network of servers to provide smooth, buffer-free playback to all its users.
- 3.A SaaS application uses load balancing to route user API requests to different backend servers to maintain consistent performance.