Implementation and comparison of different reverse proxy and load balancing methods and solutions
This paper explores the implementation and comparison of reverse proxies and load balancing methods across Layer 4 (L4) and Layer 7 (L7) of the OSI model. Reverse proxies and load balancers are essential components in modern distributed systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance optimization. The research focuses on evaluating the performance of custom L4 and L7 reverse proxy and load balancing solutions against popular open-source tools such as NGINX and Traefik.
This paper contributes to the understanding of reverse proxy and load balancing mechanisms, presenting insights into their application in high-performance systems. Recommendations for further research include optimizing TLS handling, improving multi-threaded processing, and exploring dynamic load balancing algorithms for distributed architectures. The findings are valuable for designing scalable and efficient network infrastructure in modern software systems.