10.4. Server Load Balancing
10.4.1. Overview
The Server Load Balancing (SLB) feature allows the administrator to spread client application
requests over a number of servers through the use of IP rules with an Action of SLB_SAT.
SLB is a powerful tool that can improve the following aspects of network applications:
• Performance
• Scalability
• Reliability
• Ease of administration
The principle SLB benefit of sharing the load across multiple servers can improve not just the
performance of applications but also scalability by facilitating the implementation of a cluster of
servers (sometimes referred to as a server farm) that can handle many more requests than a single
server.
Note: SLB is not available on all D-Link NetDefend models
The SLB feature is only available on the D-Link NetDefend DFL-800, 860, 1600, 1660,
2500, 2560 and 2560G.
The illustration below shows a typical SLB scenario, with Internet access to internal server
applications by external clients being managed by a NetDefend Firewall.
10.4. Server Load Balancing Chapter 10. Traffic Management
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