# Load Balancing The main purpose of load balancing is to optimize resource utilization, maximize throughput, minimize response time, and avoid overloading any single resource. ## OSI L4 vs OSI L7 load balancing L4 load balancing is focused on network-level traffic distribution, while L7 load balancing is focused on application-level traffic distribution and can perform advanced functions such as SSL offloading, content-based routing, and application-layer security. L7 load balancers are typically more feature-rich and complex than L4 load balancers, but may also be slower and more resource-intensive. ## Links * [Video: Load Balancing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCR3SAVdyCc\&ab_channel=IBMTechnology) --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://wiki.dmmax.me/system-design/load-balancing.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.