What device is used to distribute network or application traffic across multiple servers?

A load balancer is a critical device in a network architecture designed to efficiently distribute network or application traffic across multiple servers. Its primary function is to ensure that no single server becomes overwhelmed with too much traffic, which helps to maintain optimal performance and availability. By directing incoming requests to the least busy server or in accordance with various algorithms, it enhances resource utilization and provides redundancy.

Load balancers can help improve response times and provide fault tolerance, as they can reroute traffic if one of the servers becomes unresponsive. They can also handle session persistence and SSL terminations, which adds extra layers of functionality that contribute to a better overall user experience and security.

In contrast, a web farm typically refers to a collection of servers that host the same application, but it does not itself perform traffic distribution or management. Ransomware and malware refer to malicious software that affects systems and data, with no role in traffic distribution or server management. These differences highlight the specific purpose and functionality of a load balancer in a cloud or network environment.