If you run a large network spanning across multiple countries, then you need a solution to effectively manage bandwidth needs.
Large enterprises have diverse and complicated network requirements. What is necessary for one location may not be required for another. This can create situations where resources are being wasted and network performance decreases.
One of the best solutions for this is to use global server load balancing (GSLB) to properly distribute network resources. Controlling application traffic via GSLB directs users to various servers in your network based on the criteria that you set.
Evenly spreading out your network traffic will create several excellent benefits. We’ll point out the four most prominent perks to take advantage of below.
Efficient Connections
One of the greatest perks of GSLB is efficient connections between users and servers.
While you may have several servers that can be connected to, you want to ensure that users are directed to the best server available. This means the one that can be connected to quickest and offering the best experience.
GSLB can detect where a user is making a query from and direct them to a local server. This will expedite the response and ensure they access a site well-suited for their location.
Efficient connections are extremely important because they reduce the risk of encountering network errors. Attempting to connect to suboptimal servers means a greater distance to travel and a larger margin for error.
Fortunately, GSLB will verify that all DNS queries are responded to in the most efficient manner possible.
Reduced Latency
Using GSLB will reduce latency as a result of more efficient connections.
When a DNS query is made, a response must be sent to direct you to the correct website. Typically, this process is fairly quick and there will only be a brief delay before arriving at the site.
If there is a long wait or your browser times out before reaching your destination, then you are being affected by latency. It’s important to note that internet speed plays a big role in this, but a fast speed won’t always mean a quick response.
The other factor affecting latency is distance. Generally speaking, the further away a user is from the server they are attempting to connect to, the greater the latency will be.
Using GSLB, you can distribute DNS queries to local servers. This means that a user will experience the quickest speed as they’ll be serviced by the nearest server in your network.
Reliable Performance
GSLB implementation will also lead to more reliable performance from your network.
When traffic in your network is not being optimized, you run the risk of overloading certain areas of your bandwidth. If you have users from across the globe but they’re all being directed to a single server, then it will affect the stability of your network.
GSLB effectively solves this by evenly distributing traffic and DNS queries. This is done primarily by location, but you can also adjust settings to ensure a specific server does not receive too much traffic.
This is useful for when you have a server near your headquarters that might receive an overwhelming amount of queries.
With plenty of available network resources, you want to make the most of them and ensure that no area is being strained.
Disaster Recovery
You can also use GSLB for disaster recovery purposes.
While GSLB is excellent for ensuring stability and quick performance, it can also be used to minimize downtime within your network. Because GSLB determines where a DNS query should connect to, it can send the query to multiple servers.
A query will only get a response from an active server, but passive servers will be prepared to make a response should the primary server not be available. This ensures that a user will always have a reliable connection regardless of local server issues.
Disaster can strike at any moment and triaging the situation will cause you to lose progress. Being adequately prepared will minimize the impact of any network issues by allocating working resources while you address the concern.
Closing Thoughts
Global network traffic must be managed to ensure steady and efficient performance. This is achievable through the use of global server load balancing (GSLB), which distributes DNS queries to balance traffic across all areas of your network.
Using GSLB will provide several excellent advantages including efficient user-server connections, reduced latency, reliable performance, and simple disaster recovery.
The faster your network is, the more productive your workforce can be. Optimize network traffic by implementing GSLB to ensure each user is sent to the best server!