Data Center Fundamentals

Chapter 16. Load-Balancing Modes and Predictors

This chapter covers the following topics:

• The modes of operation of load balancers, including dispatch, directed, client NAT, connection spoofing, and direct server return

• The performance implications of these modes of operation

• Load-balancing algorithms used to load-balance server farms

• Load-balancing algorithms used to load-balance cache farms

This chapter discusses two key concepts related to load balancing. These concepts are key in understanding the ideas and information introduced in Chapter 19, “Persistence Mechanisms on Load Balancers” and Chapter 22, “Performance Metrics of Data Center Devices.” These concepts are listed here:

• Modes of operation

• Load-balancing algorithms (also ...