Azure Traffic Manager

Overview

Azure Traffic Manager is a DNS-based traffic load balancer that enables you to distribute traffic to your public-facing applications across global Azure regions. It provides high availability, performance, and responsiveness by directing client requests to the most appropriate service endpoint based on traffic-routing methods.

Core Functionality

1. Traffic Manager Profile: Create a Traffic Manager profile in the Azure portal. This profile will define the traffic-routing method and the endpoints to which traffic will be directed.
2. Traffic Routing Methods: Choose the appropriate traffic-routing method based on your application’s requirements. Options include performance, geographic, priority, weighted, and multi-value routing. For example, use performance routing to direct users to the endpoint with the lowest latency.
3. Endpoint Configuration: Add your application endpoints to the Traffic Manager profile. These endpoints can be Azure services, external services, or a combination of both. Configure health probes to monitor the availability of each endpoint.
4. DNS Configuration: Configure your domain’s DNS settings to point to the Traffic Manager profile. This ensures that user requests are directed to Traffic Manager, which then routes them to the appropriate endpoint.
5. Monitoring and Alerts: Use Azure Monitor to track the performance and health of your Traffic Manager profile. Set up alerts to notify you of any issues, ensuring proactive management of your traffic routing.

Pricing

Azure Traffic Manager offers a cost-effective solution for global traffic routing, with a pay-as-you-go pricing model. You only pay for the DNS queries and health checks, making it a budget-friendly option.

References

• Azure Traffic Manager Overview
• How Azure Traffic Manager Works