Network

Load balancing – Everything you need to know

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Are you looking to get the most out of your distributed computing system and optimize performance and availability? Load balancing can help you do just that. Keep reading to learn about the benefits and how it works.

Load balancing: Explained in detail

Load balancing is an essential part of any distributed computing system. It ensures that the system can handle high levels of user demand by distributing requests to multiple servers, thus preventing any one server from becoming overloaded. Central to load-balancing is the idea of distributing requests between various front-end servers, often deployed in a cluster. In doing so, a load balancing solution can ensure optimal service availability and resource utilization to ensure that your online services remain up and running at all times. By understanding how a load-balancer works and the its algorithms that can be used, businesses today can make the most of distributed computing and minimize operational costs.

How does it work?

Load balancing works by distributing the incoming requests between different servers across a network. This is done by using algorithms that monitor other servers’ status and workloads, then routing requests to the optimal server capable of handling the request. Additionally, load balancers are designed to detect any changes dynamically, and if a server fails or is overwhelmed by requests, the load balancer automatically reroutes traffic to another server. By using Load balancing strategies, businesses can ensure that their network and applications maintain high performance and reliability.

Is Load balancing advantageous?

This distribution methodis advantageous for businesses in many ways. It helps to optimize the performance, scalability, and availability of applications and services. Some of the key advantages of this distribution method include:

  • Increased Availability: By distributing requests amongst a group of servers, it ensures that any potential downtime that may occur on one server is limited as the requests are routed to a healthy server. 
  • Optimized Performance: As requests are routed to servers with the least amount of load or available resources, the user experience is enhanced, and resources can be used more efficiently.
  •  Scalability: It allows a distributed system to scale quickly, as new servers can be added on-demand to increase the processing power if needed.
  • Easier Maintenance: With this distribution method in place, servers can be taken down for maintenance or upgrades without disrupting the business or its operations.
  • Security: Load balancers provide an additional layer of protection, as incoming requests are routed through them first, allowing the system to identify and block malicious requests before they reach the server.

Conclusion

Load balancing is necessary for any distributed computing system looking to maximize performance, scalability, and availability. While there are some challenges to managing effective load balancing, the advantages far outweigh the negatives. With some research and planning, businesses can ensure that their applications and services remain up and running and their resources are used optimally.

​DNS hosting provider: Choose the best one for you

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If you are getting lots of traffic, congrats! Then your business needs are for sure growing too, and it is time to get a reliable DNS hosting provider. There are many providers on the market, but we will make your search easier with these recommendations.

​DNS Made Easy

Over 20 years in the DNS business shows much about this provider’s consistency. It offers 4 DNS plans (DNS-5, DNS-25, DNS-50, and Enterprise). Rates vary from $14.50 to $145 per month, billed annually. The Enterprise plan is a customizable one, so you pay for the specific needs you cover. What plans offer:

  • Include from 5 to 50 domains.
  • To add from 1,500 to 15,000 DNS records.
  • 5M to 50M queries per month.
  • 1 to 10 Failover records.
  • 2 or 3-factor authentication.
  • 100% SLA-backed.
  • 30-day free trial.

​ClouDNS

It is a quality and reliable DNS hosting provider. It has 1 free plan and 4 paid ones (Premium S, M, L, and Enterprise) with features to suit all types and sizes of businesses. Costs, features, and limits vary among plans. The Premium S costs just $2.95, the M is $4.95 (so far the most popular plan), and the L is $14.95 monthly. What you get for these rates is:

  • From 4 (free plan) to 8 DNS servers.
  • Anycast DNS network with 34 PoPs.
  • Management of 1, 400, and unlimited DNS zones.
  • Addition of 50, 20,000, or unlimited DNS records.
  • DNS queries per month, from 500K, to unlimited.
  • Mail forwards from 1, 1,000, or unlimited.
  • DNS failover and monitoring checks, from 1 to unlimited.
  • 30-day free trial.
  • 24/7 live chat support.

​Zilore

Professional service and well-featured plans, 1 free, 3 paid (Personal, Professional, and Business). Prices go from $5 to $250 monthly, but if you sign up for a yearly plan, you get 2 months for free. Plans include different features and limits, but in general, you can get:

  • 5 domains. You can add more by paying a fee.
  • Resource records from 1,000 per domain to unlimited.
  • From 10,000,000 DNS queries to unlimited.
  • Anycast DNS.
  • DNS DDoS Protection.
  • Free 14-day trial for Personal and Professional plans.

​DNSimple

As it says, simple and reliable for you. It includes an attractive feature, unlimited DNS queries for all its 3 plans, Personal, Professional, and Business. Costs go from $6, $30, to $300 monthly. But by paying yearly, you can save the cost of 2 months. Remember, the different plans include different features and limits. Generally, this is what you can receive:

  • Unlimited DNS records.
  • Anycast DNS.
  • From 1 user to unlimited users.
  • Let’s Encrypt SSL certificates.
  • Multi-layered security DDoS protection.
  • Flexibility. You can add features to cover specific needs.
  • 30-day free trial.

​Conclusion

DNS hosting is a strong need for big and growing businesses. Always check plans’ rates and conditions. Choose the best DNS provider for you, meaning the one that fully covers your business needs and fits your budget. If your business DNS is in good hands, growth won’t be a problem.

TLD (Top-Level Domain) – Everything you need to know about it

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If you are going online with your business, congrats! But if you are choosing whatever TLD, stop right there! First, read everything you need to know about it.

What does TLD mean?

TLD means Top-Level-Domain and is the last domain name element.

Domain name construction involves three elements separated by a dot. On the left side, you have the subdomain (www). Then, you find the name or brand that introduces the type of business you own (example domain), and this is called Second Level Domain (SLD). Finally, in the end, the Top-Level-Domain comes (.us, .org, .net, .gov, .com). Now, you can easily visualize it, www.exampledomain.org.

Types of TLD

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICAAN) establishes the following categories for TLDs.

gTLD or generic top-level domains.

A wide variety of domains can be registered using generic TLDs. Here you will find very well-known choices such as .com and .org, used to make a difference between profitable and non-profitable businesses, .net, .info, and many more.

sTLD or sponsored top-level domains.

These are TLDs supported by specific groups, industries, organizations, professional fields, etc. Examples: .gov, .travel, .edu, .post, .jobs, etc.

ccTLD or country code top-level domains.

These TLDs are directly linked to countries or regions. They use a two-letter code to refer to the country. ccTLDs are a very convenient choice for identifying domains operating in specific countries or regions. If you plan to target a local market, you should think about using its TLD. For instance, .mx for Mexico, .nl for the Netherlands, .cn for China, .fr for France, etc.

Infrastructure top-level domain.

There is only one official TLD in this category, the Address and Routing Parameter Area or ARPA. It is exclusively available for the Internet Engineering Task Force.

Is TLD important?

Yes, the TLD is an integral part of the process of setting up a domain. The recommendation is to pick the one for your business accurately because:

  • TLD is the second highest level in the DNS hierarchy. Without it, a domain name just won’t work.
  • It provides key information to users, like the purpose of the domain, IP geolocation, and owner’s identity. This improves visitors’ trust to access your domain and purchase your ideas, products, or services.
  • It is a sign of legitimacy to potential visitors.
  • An accurate TLD for your domain is as important as having a memorable brand (SLD) for people to remember and access your domain.
  • Once you define your domain name, it has to be registered, and that costs. The final price will vary based on the registrar you pick to arrange this process and the TLD you finally choose. Consider that there are many TLDs, and they have different costs. Make that investment pay off!

Conclusion

The TLD is an important component of your domain name. They are very few letters, but they are essential to clarify necessary information related to your business. Choose your TLD smartly!