> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.dmmax.me/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.dmmax.me/system-design/load-balancing.md).

# 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)