You can load balance traffic between Forefront Unified Access Gateway (UAG) array members using a hardware load balancer, or using Forefront UAG integrated Network Load Balancing (NLB), which uses the NLB features provided by Windows Server 2008 R2.
This topic provides information to help you plan your deployment of integrated NLB in Forefront UAG.
Selecting a load balancing method
You can load balance requests to Forefront UAG array members as follows:
- Using a hardware load balancer─You can
use a hardware load balancer to balance servers configured as
Forefront UAG array members. The hardware load balancer must
support IP affinity. The main advantage of using a hardware load
balancer is scalability. Using integrated NLB supports up to
approximately 8 array members. For partner information on Forefront
UAG and Forefront UAG DirectAccess hardware load balancing
solutions, see Find a partner at the Microsoft site.
- Using integrated NLB─Forefront UAG
provides integrated NLB. This is the recommended method for
implementing load balancing for Forefront UAG arrays, and provides
a number of advantages:
- Cost savings; no NLB hardware device needs to
be purchased.
- Simplified management; NLB can be managed
directly in the Forefront UAG Management console. You can easily
apply the NLB configuration to all array members.
- Simplified monitoring; NLB status can be
monitored using the Forefront UAG Web Monitor.
- Ease of node management; nodes can be managed
and drained using the Web Monitor.
- Forefront TMG is automatically installed and
runs as a firewall to protect the Forefront UAG server. When you
use configure integrated NLB, Forefront TMG firewall rules and
settings are configured automatically.
- Cost savings; no NLB hardware device needs to
be purchased.
Next steps
After you have completed the planning of your load balancing design, see the Array deployment guide for deployment instructions.