Which load-balancing method would ensure that the server with the least network utilization receives new connections?

• A. Least connections
• B. Least bandwidth
• C. Least response time
• D. Least packets

Answer: (B)

This tests understanding of how a load balancer selects a backend based on current network usage. Using the least bandwidth approach, the load balancer monitors how much bandwidth each server is currently using and directs new connections to the one with the smallest usage. That means the server with the least network utilization gets the next incoming connection.

This is different from other criteria: least connections focuses on how many active connections a server has, least response time targets the quickest current latency, and least packets looks at the rate of packets rather than the overall bandwidth being consumed. By prioritizing the server with the lowest bandwidth usage, you help balance data throughput across servers and avoid saturating any single link. In Citrix ADC, this method specifically evaluates current bandwidth to guide distribution, making it the right choice when the goal is to minimize network utilization disparities among servers.