## What are Network Intermediaries? - Devices or software that manage data flow between network devices. - Enhance performance, security and availability. --- ## Types of Network Intermediaries 1. **Load Balancers**: Distribute traffic across multiple servers. 2. **Reverse Proxies**: Intercept client requests and forward them to backend servers. 3. **Gateways**: Translate protocols between different network types. 4. **Bastion Hosts**: Provide secure access to private networks. --- ## Load Balancers - Improve availability and performance by evenly distributing network traffic. - Operate at Layer 4 (Transport) or Layer 7 (Application) of the OSI model. --- ## Reverse Proxies - Enhance security by hiding backend infrastructure. - Provide features like SSL termination, caching, and request filtering. --- ## Gateways - Act as bridges between different networks or systems. - Examples: VPN gateways, API gateways. --- ## Bastion Hosts - Secure access point for administrators managing private resources. - Typically hardened with additional security measures.