A service that distributes incoming network traffic across multiple backend instances (VMs). It operates at layer 4 (TCP/UDP), enabling high availability and scalability for applications.
AZ-104 distinguishes it from Application Gateway (layer 7, HTTP/HTTPS). Azure Load Balancer (Standard SKU; the Basic SKU was retired in September 2025) handles non-HTTP traffic within a single region. Question: which service balances TCP traffic across VMs? Azure Load Balancer.
Azure Load Balancer is a concept that can show up on the exam. Check the full guide to see it in context.