Definition: 

Link Load Balancing

The technique of using a multilayer switch to evenly distribute data center processing functions and heavy network traffic loads across multiple servers so as not to overwhelm any single device. Properly implemented, this process allows for increased availability and scalability of network resources such as business-critical information and applications.

Link load balancing helps to improve application delivery response times across IP networks and increase overall throughput of server resources. By increasing the performance of an organization’s network applications, end-users will benefit from higher productivity and return on investment. While the strategy of link load balancing primarily handles the even distribution of data and applications across a network and its multiple user devices, an optimal load balancing solution should also utilize other strategies to increase performance. Such techniques include the use of failover arrangements to avoid disruptions in service by automatically switching network requests to secondary links when the primary path is unavailable. An enhanced intrusion prevention system is also a common advantage of link load balancing, protecting against malicious traffic such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. With these added benefits, businesses can provide end-users with network maximum performance while relieving processing strain from servers.