API Gateway vs Load Balancer vs Reverse Proxy: Key Differences Every Cloud Architect Should Know
Cloud architects and infrastructure engineers often confuse API gateways, load balancers, and reverse proxies when designing distributed systems. These three components serve different purposes in your cloud architecture patterns, and picking the wrong one can hurt performance and security. This guide breaks down the API gateway vs load balancer vs reverse proxy debate for DevOps teams, platform engineers, and solution architects building microservices architecture. You’ll learn when each tool works best and how their functions overlap or complement each other. We’ll cover the core differences between API gateway functions and load balancer architecture, plus how reverse proxy security fits into your overall design. You’ll also see real implementation scenarios that help you choose the right traffic distribution methods for your specific needs. Understanding API Gateway Fundamentals and Core Functions Request routing and traffic management capabilities API gateways excel at inte...