Network Layer Load balancer (NLB)

The network layer load balancer will carry out load balancing activities in the layer 4 (transport layer OSI MODEL); the TCP and UDP connection-based load balancing will be carried out by the network layer load balancer. 

In an enterprise setting, API gateways, application layer load balancers, and network layer load balancers are all utilized to effectively manage the distribution of workloads and ensure load balancing. The 4 layer of OSI model is network layer where the network layer load balancing is carried out.

The network layer load balancing system is designed to provide efficient load balancing at the layer 4 level, offering a selection of popular load balancing algorithms, support for sticky sessions to ensure continuous connections for users, and zonal isolation to enhance security and performance.

When incoming Internet and protocol-specific traffic reach the load balancer, it effectively distributes this traffic across multiple target types, ensuring efficient load management and optimal use of resources.

Network Load Balancers will ensure Sticky sessions, Health checks, Metrics, Secure and Stable TCP Connections, and Zonal Isolation. 

HOW IT WILL WORK:

The static and the dynamic IPs will direct the traffic toward the network layer load balancer, once the traffic is sent to the load balancer then it will process the traffic at layer 4 level and then based on specified criteria will direct the traffic to the right set of targets. 

The target list includes: 

  • Container services 
  • Kubernetes services 
  • Micro-services 
  • APIs 
  • Server-less 
  • Compute instances 
  • Memory Instances 
  • High-performance instances 
  • H/W devices 
  • S/W drivers 
  • Servers 

The network load balancer will either need the API gateway or Certificate manager to carry out TLS offloading. Usually, all the major load balancing services will provide standalone or bundled solutions to carry out TLS OFFLOADING. 

The Network Load Balancing (NLB) is leveraged to evenly distribute incoming network traffic across multiple servers using the TCP/IP networking protocol. NLB enhances the reliability and performance of web servers and other critical servers.

The article above is rendered by integrating outputs of 1 HUMAN AGENT & 3 AI AGENTS, an amalgamation of HGI and AI to serve technology education globally.

(Article By : Himanshu N)