Layer 7 load balancing - advanced security for mission critical hosting

What is load balancing?

Load balancing is the process of sharing the server requests across a number of servers. The load balancer presents a virtualised server, which then distributes the requests evenly to a pool of servers which each hold the same data using a load balancing algorithm. UKFast's default load balancing algorithm is round robin and support other load balancing algorithms such as weighted round robin, least connections and weighted least connections.

Speak to a load balancing specialist now to discuss the best solution is for your hosting requirements.

What is Layer 7 switching?

Layer 7 switching - also known as request switching, application switching, and content based routing and unlike load balancing, Layer 7 switching does not require all the servers in the pool of servers to house the same data, meaning that the servers can be optimised and dedicated to their specific type of content. The main benefit of this is the speed of delivery and replication of the data in the server pool.

The benefits of layer 7 load balancing from UKFast:

By combining these two technologies, UKFast's Layer 7 Load Balancing solution allows you to optimise the server solution for speed of delivery and have multiple failover capabilities meaning your customers get the best user experience and you get the peace of mind that your business is protected. The benefits include:

• Direct specific users to different servers for optimum customer service
• Manage individual services on specific servers
• Load balancing over multiple locations provides the perfect answer to server failure.
• Geographical user experience management

Benefit from the efficiencies of advanced load balancing, request a quote or call now on 0800 458 4545.

Standard Load Balancing vs Layer7 Load Balancing

	Standard	Layer 7
Method	Round Robin, Weighted	Least connections, url parsing, http headers
Health Checking	TCP connect	Ping, Simple HTTP GET
Persistence	IP Based	Cookie Based
Additional Features		Multiple Data Centres, SSL Offloading

Advanced data management with UKFast

When you group servers to handle specific transactions you receive better efficiencies from your hardware. With Layer 7 load balancing from UKFast you can use servers to act as massive storage systems for serving up static pages, or optimise a server for downloading and streaming video.

Layer 7 load balancing also allows for certain web visitors to be directed to higher-powered servers. Choose to direct premium customers, or ebuyers to more powerful hardware so they receive the best customer service.

UKFast dual location load balancing for extra reliability

Load balancing across two locations makes your server solution even more robust. If natural disaster, fire or flood means servers fail, your activities continue from the undisrupted location.