What is the difference between a reverse proxy and a load balancer?

What is the difference between a reverse proxy and a load balancer?

A reverse proxy acts as an intermediary for requests from clients seeking resources from servers, while a load balancer distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed.

Can you give me examples of when to use each?

Sure! Use a reverse proxy when you need to secure your servers or cache content. Use a load balancer when you want to improve the availability and reliability of your application by distributing traffic.

Are there any tools that can perform both functions?

Yes, some tools like NGINX and HAProxy can function as both reverse proxies and load balancers, allowing you to manage traffic efficiently.

What are the performance implications of using one over the other?

Using a reverse proxy can improve security and caching, while a load balancer enhances performance by distributing traffic. The choice depends on your specific needs.