There are several ways to handle cases where multiple servers are hosting the same domain name:
- Subdomains: One approach is to use subdomains. Each subdomain can point to a different server. For instance,
s1.example.com
,s2.example.com
,s3.example.com
etc., could all be serviced by different servers. This requires setting up an A record for each subdomain in your DNS settings.
- DNS Round Robin: Another method is to use DNS round-robin, where you point the host/domain name to both IP addresses at once. This distributes the traffic evenly among the servers. However, this method has limitations, such as uneven distribution of traffic and potential downtime if one server fails.
- Load Balancers: Load balancers distribute network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed with too many requests. They can direct traffic based on factors such as server availability, network congestion, and performance metrics.
- Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs deliver content to users based on their geographic locations and network conditions. They can distribute traffic to different servers based on routing rules. However, this method may not be suitable for highly dynamic websites.
- Reverse Proxy: A reverse proxy accepts client requests and forwards them to the appropriate server. This method can be used to route different paths to different servers.
Remember, the method you choose depends on your specific needs, such as the nature of your website, your infrastructure, and your traffic patterns.