Load Balancing in Cloud Computing– Types of Load Balancing And Load Balancers

Usually the primary task of a load balancer is to divide the computing features and workloads in cloud computing. When it comes to companies, load balancing helps in managing application demands and workload demands by separating the resources between various networks and servers. In the presence of a stable network, load balancing in cloud computing includes the regulation of workload traffic and requirements. The traffic on the server increases 100% times faster which makes it difficult to operate your server in times of overloading.

However, there are two solutions that can help you to overcome the problem of Server overloading:

What to do in case of a single server?

Usually an upgrade to the single server would probably make the server more efficient and smooth. However, there are chances that the upgraded version can also get overloaded and demand a new upgrade. Moreover, the entire process of upgrading can be tedious and expensive.

What to do in case of multiple servers?

For a multiple server a scalable service system developed on the network of servers. This way your server will become more cost effective and scalable to form a group of servers for all the networking services.

In case you operate on services like DNS, HTTP, FTP, SMTP etc. using a load balancer will bring a massive change in your server. It will increase the scalability and reliability of your server. With load balancing, you can scale out balancing in your server which will increase the efficiency of work.

What are the two basic categories of Load Balancing?

• Load balancer (software based): The load balancers based on software usually run on a standard operating system and hardware.
• Load Balancer (hardware based): The load balancer based on hardware usually has associated specific integrated circuits (ASICs) dedicated for specific use. These ASICs play an important role in load balancing as they are responsible for pushing the network traffic quickly and are used for transport level load balancing.

Note: The hardware level load balancing works smoother than a software based load balancing. It makes your work more efficient.

What are the different types of Load Balancing & Load Balancers?

In order to select the best load balancer for yourself, you need to have a proper knowledge about it. It is extremely important to do your own research before making a decision as it can directly affect your business. Depending upon your requirements, the load balancer can vary. For example-

• In case of relational databases, server load balancing is an ideal match.
• In case of troubleshooting in other locations of the world, the global server load balancing works best.
• In case of domain name functionality, DNS load balancing server fits best.

The different types of load balancer:

1. HTTP(s) Load Balancing: The HTTPs load balancing means that the load balancing happens between operational layers. This type of balancing is usually considered to be the most flexible type of balancing.
2. Network Load Balancing: The network load balancer extracts information from the network layer, and then decides where the network traffic should be diverted.
3. Internal Load Balancing: This balancing is very similar to the network load balancing, however it is majorly used to balance the infrastructure internally.

HTTP(s) Load Balancing

HTTP(s) load balancing is the most traditional type of balancing. It works on layer 7 of the HTTP load balancing which means that the load balancing can happen between the operational layers. Even being traditional, it is still one of the most flexible types of load balancing which makes work more efficient.

Network Load Balancing

In Network Load Balancing, the information gathered layer by layer. On the basis of information gathered, it decides where the network should diverted. The process takes place with the help of layer 4. It is responsible for TCP/UDP traffic. Even though out of all the load balancing options, it is the fastest load balancing. However, it is still not ideal for handling traffic distribution across the servers.

Internal Load Balancing

Internal Load Balancing is normally quite similar to network load balancing however it is mainly used to balance the infrastructure internally.

• Virtual Load Balancer: Slightly different from the software load balancer, it performs the deployment of software to the hardware load balancing device but by using a virtual machine.
• Software Load Balancer: This form of load balancer is a commercial or open source and it must be installed before its utilization. A software load balancer is quite cost effective than a hardware load balancer.
• Hardware Load Balancer: With the Hardware Load Balancer, the device can take care of huge traffic volumes however it is extremely expensive.

Load Balancer as a Service in Cloud Computing

Several cloud service providers usually present load balancing as a service for the clients who wish to utilize the services as per their business scalability. On the basis of premise requirements the need for in-house maintained and configured. LBaas works more on load balancing for balancing workloads in cloud computing.

However, with LBaas you can handle the workload across different servers throughout the world. It will display the service as a subscription activated on demand rather than dividing the workload traffic over the network of servers in-house or any single data. Some of the benefits of LBaas are:

• In order to smoothly scale the load balancing requirements, you need to handle the traffic hikes without having to configure extra on-premise infrastructure.
• To keep latency to the lowest, you need to connect with the nearest server in the area and maintain the availability intact even when the servers are down. Compared to hardware equipment, LBaas is cost friendly, requires less time, and effort and utilizes fewer internal resources which helps in both maintenance and growth.

Why is Load Balancing Important in Cloud Computing?

• Delivers efficient performance: Load balancing in cloud computing is quite simple and cost effective. It enables the organization to work quickly and deliver the clients requirements and give efficient services.
• Helps maintain web traffic: Load balancing offers a scalability feature which allows web controls. With the help of an ideal load balancer, we can take care of the high end traffic and prevent overloading. In this way, cloud balancing can be quite useful.
• Manages sudden urges in traffic: One of the efficient features is that it can manage the sudden traffic outbursts. Load balancers divide the traffic that comes on the server equally to create and maintain efficiency.

Conclusion

Load Balancers can be quite useful for your business, especially if you have a business that requires you to save an excessive amount of data. It creates efficiency in your daily work and helps you build a growing network of business. Depending upon your requirements you can choose which load balancing method will suit you and your business.