What is the function of a load balancer in network architecture?

A load balancer plays a critical role in network architecture by distributing incoming network traffic across multiple servers. This distribution ensures that no single server becomes overwhelmed by too much traffic, which could lead to slower response times or service outages. By spreading the load, it enhances the overall performance, reliability, and availability of applications.

Load balancers can work at different layers of the OSI model, such as Layer 4 (Transport) or Layer 7 (Application), and they can route traffic based on various criteria, such as current server loads, client sessions, or specific application requirements. This functionality allows for better resource utilization and improves user experience by providing quicker and more reliable access to services.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary role of a load balancer. Encrypting network traffic pertains to security mechanisms, storing large amounts of data relates to databases or storage solutions, and monitoring data usage involves analytics tools. Each of these functions serves a different purpose in network management and does not reflect the load balancing function within network architecture.