Explain the concept of load balancing in server management and discuss the different algorithms (e.g., round robin, least connections, IP hash) used to distribute traffic.

Load balancing distributes incoming network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes overwhelmed, enhancing performance, reliability, and redundancy. Common algorithms include round robin, which cycles through servers sequentially; least connections, which directs traffic to the server with the fewest active connections; and IP hash, which routes requests based on the client’s IP address, ensuring consistency in server selection for returning users. Each algorithm has its strengths and is chosen based on the specific needs and traffic patterns of the application.