Description: A network load balancer is a type of load balancer that operates at the transport layer (Layer 4) and is used to distribute traffic among multiple targets. Its primary function is to optimize resource utilization, maximize performance, and ensure the availability of applications and services. By operating at Layer 4, this type of load balancer can manage traffic for protocols such as TCP and UDP, allowing it to make routing decisions based on transport layer information, such as IP addresses and port numbers. This makes it ideal for applications that require high availability and consistent performance, as it can efficiently redirect traffic based on the current load of servers. Additionally, network load balancers can offer extra features such as SSL termination, health checks, and session management, contributing to a smoother and more secure user experience. In various environments, including cloud and container orchestration platforms, these load balancers are essential for distributing traffic among multiple instances, ensuring that applications scale effectively and maintain optimal performance under varying workloads.
