Cloud load balancing is an effective way to efficiently and reliably manage application and network traffic – from improving workflows to enhancing user experience.
In this article, we’ve explored what load balancing in cloud computing is, how it works, and the ways it can enhance your IT infrastructure. Read on to learn more, or get in touch with our experts to discuss ways we can help your business introduce cloud-based processes.
An introduction to cloud load balancing
In simple terms, load balancing is a technique used to efficiently distribute data and user traffic across multiple servers; it ensures no single server becomes overwhelmed, which can improve overall performance. As for cloud load balancing, also often referred to as LBaaS (Load Balancing as a Service), this specifically refers to the process of managing server utilisation across a virtual network.
Types of load balancing in cloud computing
We now know that load balancing technology is responsible for directing traffic to the right servers; but did you know that there are different types of cloud load balancing?
For instance, application load balancing distributes traffic based on application-level factors, such as content type (i.e. HTML, image, etc), browser and device, or domain and URL path. Alternatively, you might want to consider network load balancing, which distributes traffic based on network-level information, such as source and destination IP address. If you’re unsure which of the above might be best for your business, you can also introduce hybrid load balancing, which combines features of application and network technology – allowing for increased flexibility and versatility.
Of course, if you’re interested in learning more about the different cloud load balancing solutions, reach out to our team who’ll be happy to help and provide advice based on your bespoke business requirements!
How does cloud load balancing work?
Load balancing technology is responsible for managing traffic requests, by distributing data to available servers. It achieves this through utilising algorithms that consider a variety of criteria (centred around business priorities). Common algorithm and cloud load balancing techniques include:
- Round robin: This is a simple algorithm that spreads requests sequentially among servers, ensuring fair and even load distribution.
- Weighted round robin: This is more flexible than the traditional round robin algorithm, as it allows you to prioritise servers based on their available capacity.
- IP hash: Requests are distributed to servers based on the user’s IP address, which ensures streamlined routing.
- Least response time: Requests are distributed to servers with the shortest average response time, to ensure quick processing.
In managed cloud computing, these criteria and algorithms are managed by your provider, who takes responsibility for efficiency and making sure your servers are working as hard as possible to deliver effectively. From start to finish, the steps involved in cloud load balancing are typically as follows:
- A traffic request is made, which is then received by your load balancer.
- Your cloud load balancer then leverages algorithms and machine learning to determine which server should handle the request (often, based on factors like server capacity and data load).
- Once the server is selected, the traffic is routed to the designated area by your cloud load balancing technology.
- The server processes the request and responds by delivering the necessary action. This response is received by your load balancer.
- Finally, the response is forwarded to the source.
In most cases, though response speed can be impacted by various factors (i.e. network latency and congestion), the cloud load balancing process is extremely fast – often, requests are received and responses issued within a matter of milliseconds.
Why load balancing important in cloud computing
There are a number of reasons to leverage cloud load balancing techniques, to better-distribute traffic across your business:
Improved performance
One of the main reasons to consider load balancing in cloud computing is to improve performance. By introducing load balancing, you’re able to spread traffic across multiple servers. This ultimately reduces latency and response time.
Increased reliability
Cloud load balancing is reliable by design; by automatically routing traffic to healthy, available servers, you run a much smaller risk of failure and downtime – which further improves user experience.
Enhanced user experience
User experience is often at the forefront of any decision to introduce load balancing; when you reduce latency, improve performance consistency, and limit downtime, improved UX is an inevitability.
Simplified management
Cloud architecture can be complex, but load balancers provider a centralised point of control for handling network traffic. By introducing load balancing technology, you’re able to distribute requests effectively and efficiently – and, if you’re working with a cloud provider, they’ll typically take responsibility for maintaining and managing the software.
High data security
Cloud load balancing solutions often offer integrated, industry-leading data protection measures; for instance, information is encrypted as its diverted between servers and users, to protect critical information. Cloud providers operate on a shared responsibility model, which means the security onus is shared (i.e. your provider will encrypt traffic and protect your data from attacks, while you’ll be responsible for implementing robust, access management).
Effective cloud integration
Cloud load balancers are designed to integrate with other virtual services, such as databases and storage. This is an essential factor for building a scalable and interconnected cloud-native environment.
Optimised resource allocation
At its core, load balancing is designed to prevent individual servers from becoming overloaded, by spreading traffic across multiple systems. This ensures optimal resource utilisation, with no single server overworked.
Improved cost efficiency
Cost-efficiency is a key benefit of adding load balancing to your cloud infrastructure, with pay-as-you-go models allowing you to scale as needed and spend only on required resources. Optimised resource utilisation ensures traffic is distributed effectively too, while virtualisation reduces the need to invest in and maintain hardware.
Cloud load balancing vs traditional load balancing
There are a few key differences between traditional and cloud-based load balancing, including cost, flexibility, and wider IT integration. To help you identify which model might best-suit your business, we’ve provided a basic overview of the differences:
| Feature | Traditional load balancing | Cloud load balancing |
| Implementation | Hardware based, and typically requires on-premises servers. | Software-based delivery means you’re not limited by location. |
| Scalability | Limited; scalability typically requires manual configuration. | Automated scaling, depending on resource demand |
| Cost | Potentially high up front cost; involves purchasing and maintaining physical servers. | Typically pay-as-you-go, depending on business need. Server management and maintenance is handled by provider. |
| Security | On-premises security requires careful configuration and expertise. | Managed cloud services are supported by industry-compliant security measures, with a shared responsibility model. |
| Flexibility | Limited flexibility in terms of features, customisation, and integration. | Significant flexibility due to virtualisation. |
| IT integration | Integration is limited and requires manual configuration. | Advanced integration with other cloud services can streamline costs and improve efficiency. |
Want to learn more about load balancing in cloud computing?
Hopefully, you now feel confident in the ways cloud load balancing can benefit your business, but if you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our experts; we’ve got over 20 years’ worth of experience in managing and maintaining cloud environments, across varying industries! Alternatively, for more insight around the ways you can introduce virtual services, explore our full cloud blog.
