If computing predictions are correct, then soon we will witness a much bigger boom in cloud usage than today. Cloud storage in 2025 is expected to reach over 100 zettabytes, 1 zettabyte equals 1 trillion gigabytes! When networks use the cloud, we need load balancing.
As time goes by, cloud-based applications will increase, so the number of users and requests will also increase. In the midst of high traffic, load balancing will take care of keeping the network performance good. Below, we will take a closer look at load balancing and its function in network architecture.
What is Load Balancing?
Load balancing is the process by which the workload within a computer network is allocated. In an environment that uses the cloud, the workload will be distributed in a balanced manner so that heavy workloads do not hamper and slow down work. That way, cloud-based applications can still work efficiently and reliably.
Companies that use load balancing networks and services are able to manage client requests properly by providing good work distribution across multiple computers, servers, or networks. The main goal of load balancing providers is to optimize all available resources and ensure that application response times are reduced, so that performance remains fast.
Cloud Load Balancing Features
Cloud load balancing systems are filled with useful and helpful features. All these features are able to keep applications afloat in heavy traffic, speed up performance, and protect applications and cloud services from unprecedented failures.
The following are some of the cloud load balancing features that will be very influential in distributing workloads:
1. Smooth Auto Scaling
With the help of cloud load balancing, cloud-based applications can be effectively auto-scaled and workload traffic can be handled as needed. This will be useful not only when traffic suddenly spikes, but also when traffic suddenly decreases. This feature is very affordable because it can reduce resource consumption as the demand for cloud applications and servers decreases.
2. Supports Multiple Protocols
Cloud load balancing software is specifically designed for use in cloud-based applications, so it supports the latest protocols. Among them are HTTP/2, TCP, and UDP load balancing.
3. Active Condition Check
Cloud load balancers are programmed to perform health checks or condition checks periodically. The trick is to send a check request to each cloud-based application server. This feature is done to monitor the condition of each server used. At the end of the check, the load balancer will also verify the response.
This periodic condition check is certainly very useful in ensuring whether the cloud application is in good condition? Does the application find new connection requests? Regular checks will ensure that everything runs smoothly and does not interfere with the performance of other applications.
4. Performance Remains High During High Traffic
No need to worry if the number of requests suddenly increases and causes heavy traffic in cloud-based applications. All these applications will not slow down in performance. No matter how big the workload is, performance will remain good because load balancing will ensure that the workload is distributed evenly. No one will be overworked to the point where it hampers the work of others. A good division of labor is the main task of a load balancer.
Pros of Load Balancing
If you are currently using various cloud services and infrastructure to improve company performance, of course you need a load balancing provider so that more requests can be fulfilled and done well. Even if you don’t add additional cloud services, the cloud workload may increase.
This is when load balancing is needed. If the cloud cannot respond to the server at crucial hours, it will certainly have a bad impact on the company. Below are some of the advantages of using load balancing on cloud infrastructure:
1. High Application Performance
If you use the right load balancing provider, it will be easier to ensure that the cloud can continue to work effectively and efficiently, even if traffic is very high. The load balancer will solve this problem and distribute the workload to keep performance high at all times.
2. Able to Deal with High Traffic
When using proper load balancing, companies don’t need to hire IT professionals to handle high traffic. The cloud load balancer will manage server requests so that each server can operate efficiently and stay within its supposed high-performance capacity.
Even with a high-quality and reputable load balancer, this workload sharing allows the server to achieve optimal results with the shortest possible response time. That way, all the work still gets done well even during busy times.
3. Flexible
Cloud load balancers are able to control heavy traffic and distribute it across multiple servers and network units. As a result, heavy workloads are redirected and shared equally. Even if it is on a specific node where it can’t take the workload anymore, it will be transferred to other active nodes on the spot. With cloud load balancing, application traffic is managed more easily and flexibly.
4. Affordable Rates
When a company uses an efficient cloud load balancing provider, the load balancer will deliver better cloud service performance compared to not using this service at all. Of course, the overall performance of the company will improve. All this can be obtained at an affordable price.
5. Reliable and Improves Scalability
If scalability is a concern for the company, the load balancer will easily respond in the event of a spike in demand and heavy traffic. When a cloud service experiences an error, the load balancer will efficiently divert traffic away from the source that experienced the error. That way, workloads that are too heavy and become a problem are transferred to other sources in the cloud environment.
In order for the internet network used in the company to run smoothly at all times, be sure to use a network monitoring application that can control its performance. Make sure to use a trusted and reliable service like Netmonk Prime.
As a trusted network monitoring service in Indonesia, Netmonk Prime is able to monitor all activities on the computer network to ensure its performance remains optimal. Available for a 14-day trial, let’s use the Netmonk service that has been used by more than 5000 companies in Indonesia!
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