After learning about vertical scaling, which involves increasing the capacity of existing hardware, let's explore horizontal scaling. Also known as Scaling Out, horizontal scaling entails adding more nodes or machines to your infrastructure to manage increased demands.
For instance, if you have an application hosted on a server that struggles to handle incoming traffic effectively, you can address this by adding more servers. This is similar to distributing workload among multiple employees instead of relying on just one person. However, it's important to note that this approach adds complexity, as you'll need to determine how the new machines will work together with the existing ones.
Here are some key concepts related to Horizontal Scaling:
Horizontal scaling comes into play when your product or service demands high performance. It enhances your system’s performance by distributing the workload across multiple machines.
The risk of a single point of failure decreases since horizontal scaling involves using multiple machines. If one machine fails, others can seamlessly take over, ensuring continuous operations.
With multiple machines, you can configure each one differently to optimize efficiency.
If you have access to additional external resources, such as hardware or software, you can integrate them into your system. This expansion will enhance its overall performance.
Let’s take a look at the following advantages of Horizontal Scaling:
Horizontal scaling allows you to pay only for the resources you use, resulting in significant cost savings. It's similar to paying for additional staff only when they are actively working.
By distributing workloads across multiple machines, horizontal scaling minimizes system failures. If one server goes down, the others continue to operate seamlessly.
Even if a single machine fails, the system remains operational. It's similar to having a backup staff ready to step in when needed.
Adjusting system size according to business needs can be straightforward. Think of it as resizing a team to match workload fluctuations.
Multiple machines provide a safety net. If one fails, others take over, ensuring uninterrupted service.
Upgrading individual machines is simpler and less disruptive than overhauling the entire system.
Pay only for the capacity you need, avoiding unnecessary costs during peak demand.
In summary, horizontal scaling expands your system by adding more servers, ensuring robustness and flexibility. It’s an excellent choice when you need to handle high traffic volumes. For further assistance in implementing horizontal scaling, consider exploring resources at Octo.
