To properly answer this question, we have to work from the basics by discussing the concept of load balancing of Web applications.
There are several approaches to load balancing on Web application serverclusters. A single cluster is actually a collection of servers running on a Web application simultaneously. They appear as if they are a single server. It aims to balance the server load, by distributing request to the different nodes within the server cluster, for the purpose of optimizing system performance.
This system brings about higher availability and scalability, elements that are essential in a Web-based application.
High availability may be seen as a redundancy. If any server in the cluster fails to handle a request, will another server in the cluster handle it? In a highly effective system, when one server in the cluster fails to handle a request, another server from the cluster takes over to process the request.
Scalability refers to the ability of the application to support a growing number of users. If, for instance, an application takes 10 milliseconds to respond to one request, how long does it take to respond to 10,000 concurrent requests? When we look at infinite scalability, we are referring to its ability to respond to an infinite number of requests in 10 milliseconds. Scalability is an indicator of a lot of factors, including the number of simultaneous users a cluster can support and the time it takes to process a request.
When will Web Application need to be Load Balanced
Now, we can move to the meatier part of the topic. How do you know if you are using this load balancing thing? If you are asking this question, then probably, the answer is that you are not using one at the moment and you don’t have a need for it. Most people set up load balancing when their applications grow to a size that demands it. However, there are web hosting companies who are already doing load balancing of their shared accounts. You may leave this setup with your web host or you may decide to work it out for yourself based on what is happening to your Web applications despite the assurance of your Web host.
Before we proceed, we have to clarify one thing which might have been bothering you from the beginning of the article. We have been referring to ‘web applications’ and not websites as it applies to load balancing. The distinction is between sites which simply display static content and the more advanced sites which are typically powered by databases and server-side programming.
Most of the conditions that necessitate load balancing are problems that stem from working with files that often need to be shared among all servers in the cluster. It is, therefore, practical to consider about the positive implications of load balancing when working with local files.
You can use load balancing techniques if you are developing a large scale web application or if you are working on projects that require distribution to a number of users or clients.
