What is Load Balancing? Distribute Internet Traffic Across Multiple Connections for Maximum Uptime

What is Load Balancing?

Load balancing is a technique that distributes internet traffic across multiple connections. This method enhances the performance, reliability, and availability of a network. Instead of relying on a single connection, load balancing combines multiple WAN connections (such as fiber, DSL, and mobile networks) into one scalable and stable solution.

This approach prevents network outages, reduces latency, and maximizes the use of available bandwidth. Load balancing is particularly suitable for business-critical applications such as IoT networks, corporate internet infrastructure, or communication platforms.

Why Choose Load Balancing?

The main benefits of load balancing at a glance:
• Better availability – Stay online even if one of the connections fails.
• Higher speed – Distributing traffic utilizes the total capacity.
• Cost savings – No need to invest in one expensive high-capacity connection.
• Failover functionality – Traffic automatically switches over during disruptions.
• Scalability – Easily add extra connections as needs grow.

What Methods of Load Balancing Are There?

1. Round-robin
   Traffic is distributed alternately across the connections. Suitable for connections with similar capacity.
2. Weighted load balancing
   Traffic is distributed based on capacity. Higher-speed connections carry more traffic.
3. Session-based load balancing
   New sessions are distributed across available connections. Popular in web environments.
4. Packet-based load balancing
   Traffic is distributed at the packet level. Highly efficient, but requires advanced equipment.

What Hardware and Features Are Required?

An effective load balancing setup requires appropriate network equipment and additional functionalities:
• Multi-WAN routers supporting two or more connections
• Broadband bonding to use multiple lines simultaneously
• Quality of Service (QoS) to prioritize critical traffic
• Traffic shaping and monitoring for insight and optimization
• Firewall functionality for network security
• Automatic failover for continuous operation in case of connection failure

Applications of Load Balancing

• Business networks – Ensure continuity of business processes.
• IoT deployments – Support thousands of devices with stable connectivity.
• Retail and payments – Keep point-of-sale systems and payment terminals online.
• Healthcare and security – Reliably connect security systems and video surveillance.

More Information

Want to know what load balancing can mean for your network or organization? Thingsdata is happy to advise you on selecting and implementing the right multi-WAN solutions, routers, and configurations. Contact us at +31 (0)85 0443500 or info@thingsdata.com, or check out our selection of load balancing-capable routers in the Thingsdata webshop.