Load Balancer
A load balancer distributes requests across multiple servers – for better performance, higher availability, and improved security.
For developers: a networking tool.
For project leads: protection against traffic spikes and outages.
For users: the reason apps stay fast and stable.
And for us: a core element of any scalable infrastructure.
What does a load balancer do?
A load balancer distributes incoming traffic across multiple instances or servers. This:
- reduces load on individual systems
- evenly spreads traffic
- absorbs failures of single servers
- increases both security and availability
Depending on configuration, it decides which server is best suited to handle a request – based on factors like load, region, availability, or session.
Types of load balancing
Layer 4 (Transport Layer)
- Works on TCP/UDP level
- Fast and resource-efficient
- Examples: Linux
iptables/ IPVS, MetalLB
Layer 7 (Application Layer)
- Interprets content like URL, headers, cookies
- Enables routing based on application logic
- Examples: NGINX, HAProxy, Traefik, Ingress Controllers (Kubernetes)
Layer 7 is more flexible – Layer 4 is more performant. Both have their place.
Why is load balancing so important?
Modern systems are made up of many components – often distributed, scalable, dynamic.
A load balancer ensures they act as a single, reliable system.
Advantages:
- Scalability – more traffic = more instances
- Fault tolerance – if one server fails, the service stays online
- Maintainability – individual servers can be updated or replaced
- Security – DDoS protection, centralized TLS termination, rate limiting
How we use load balancers at RiKuWe
We rely on proven open-source tools – tailored to the project:
- NGINX / HAProxy for classic VM or hybrid setups
- Ingress controllers in Kubernetes – dynamic, configurable, versioned
- TLS, redirects, authentication & rate limiting built in
- Logging & monitoring for transparency and optimization
Load balancing isn’t an add-on for us – it’s built into every production-grade setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a load balancer?
A load balancer is a system that distributes incoming requests across multiple servers. The goal is to spread load evenly, ensure high availability, and improve performance.
Do I need a load balancer if I only have one server?
Not necessarily – but it can make sense if you plan to scale or need high availability later. Even with one server, a load balancer can help with TLS termination or logging.
What’s the difference between Layer 4 and Layer 7 load balancing?
Layer 4 works on the transport layer (TCP/UDP) and is very fast. Layer 7 inspects HTTP/HTTPS data and enables routing based on URL, headers, or cookies – more flexible but slightly more complex.
Can a load balancer improve security?
Yes. It can manage TLS certificates centrally, absorb DDoS attacks, or limit API traffic – depending on the configuration.
Which tools does RiKuWe use for load balancing?
We use open-source tools like NGINX, HAProxy, and Traefik – plus Kubernetes ingress controllers. Tool selection and configuration are tailored to each project.
Load balancing in practice with RiKuWe
Managed infrastructure for agencies
Traffic distribution & availability in Kubernetes
