What does the term "load balancing" mean in networking?

The term "load balancing" in networking refers to the distribution of network traffic across multiple servers to optimize resource use and enhance overall performance. This process ensures that no single server is overwhelmed with too much traffic, which could lead to reduced performance or potential failure. By spreading the load across multiple servers, network reliability is improved, response times are decreased, and resources are utilized more effectively.

In practical terms, load balancing can involve distributing incoming requests among a pool of servers, allowing for better management of bandwidth and enhancing the user experience through faster content delivery. This concept is critical in environments where high availability and scalability are essential, such as in data centers that serve numerous users or applications simultaneously.