Least Connection

What is Least Connection?

Least Connection is one of the algorithms used in server load balancing to dynamically allocate requests based on server load. It prioritizes servers with the fewest active connections and assigns incoming user requests accordingly.

Other load balancing algorithms for distributing requests include:

• Round-robin: Allocates requests sequentially to pre-registered servers in order.
• Weighted Round-robin: Assigns requests based on server capacity, using weighted metrics to prioritize higher-capacity servers.
• Least Response Time: Dynamically allocates requests based on server load, selecting servers with the shortest response times first.

The Least Connection algorithm effectively balances server load by dynamically leveling traffic, thereby increasing the efficiency of load balancing. For Layer 7 load balancing, more granular distribution can be achieved based on parameters such as HTTP headers, cookies, or request data.

F5 offers products for this type of load balancing, including the F5 BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager.