How to create a Load Balancer in Azure

Azure Load Balancer

The Azure Load Balancer is a cloud-based service that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple virtual machines (VMs) and services to ensure high availability and reliability. It balances loads within or across regions, helping applications scale efficiently and maintain performance during heavy traffic periods. Azure Load Balancer operates at Layer 4 (TCP/UDP) of the OSI model, meaning it forwards traffic based on network and transport layer protocols, not individual sessions or users. It supports automatic failover, IP-based distribution, and both internal and public load balancing, making it ideal for internet-facing and internal applications.

Steps to create an Azure Load Balancer
NOTE: to create an azure load balancer, you must first create a Virtual Machine and a Virtual Network with a subnet.

Step 1
On Your Azure portal, search for Azure Load Balancer

Step 2
On load balancer page click +create

Step 3
Input your resource or create one if none is available and give your instance name. leave other parameters as default

Step 4
Next to Frontend configuratio
On the frontend page click add frontend
Enter Frontend name, choose your Vnet and subnet
Click save

Step 5
Click next to backend pool
On the page, give your backend pool a name and under IP configurations click add

Step 6
Add IP configurations to backend pool by choosing your virtual machine. Remember to ADD after selection, also remember to save

Step 7
Click review and create

Step 8
After validation click create

Step 9
Wait for deployment to complete, then click on go to resource

Conclusion
In conclusion, Azure Load Balancer is a powerful and flexible solution for managing application traffic, ensuring optimal performance, and enhancing reliability in cloud-based architectures. Its ability to distribute workloads effectively across multiple virtual machines and services reduces downtime risks and improves application responsiveness, even during peak traffic. Whether used for public-facing applications or internal network balancing, Azure Load Balancer integrates seamlessly into the Azure ecosystem, supporting scalable, high-availability infrastructure. As cloud demand grows, utilizing tools like Azure Load Balancer will continue to be crucial for businesses seeking resilient, efficient, and adaptable IT solutions.