Network Load Balancer (NLB)
Explore the AWS Network Load Balancer (NLB), focusing on its role in handling high-throughput, low-latency workloads.
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The Network Load Balancer (NLB) operates at layer 4 (transport layer) of the OSI model, which enables it to handle millions of requests per second with incredibly low latencies. Unlike the application load balancer optimized for HTTP/HTTPS, NLB shines in scenarios that demand raw network performance.
Understanding the network load balancer (NLB) is essential for multiple exam domains of the AWS Certified Developer – Associate (DVA-C02) exam, particularly deployment and troubleshooting. This lesson focuses on NLB’s role in designing scalable, high-performance, cloud-native applications. You’ll encounter questions that assess your ability to configure and monitor NLBs, evaluate when to use them over application load balancers (ALBs), and ensure optimal performance using metrics and health checks.
Understanding high-throughput use cases
NLB is specifically designed for workloads demanding persistent, low-latency connections and the ability to manage an immense number of concurrent sessions. It operates at layer 4 (the transport layer) of the OSI model, which allows it to handle traffic at a very high throughput with minimal latency.
Consider applications where real-time performance is critical:
Multiplayer gaming platforms: These require extremely low latency to ensure smooth gameplay and synchronized experiences across all players. NLB’s direct pass-through of TCP connections minimizes processing overhead, delivering the speed needed.
High-frequency stock trading applications: Even microseconds of delay can result in significant financial losses. NLB’s consistent performance and ability to handle millions of requests per second make it ideal for such ...