Proxy choices: mod_proxy_balancer, nginx + proxy balancer, haproxy?

Question

We're running a Rails site at http://hansard.millbanksystems.com, on a dedicated Accelerator. We currently have Apache setup with mod-proxy-balancer, proxying to four mongrels running the application.

Some requests are rather slow and in order to prevent the situation where other requests get queued up behind them, we're considering options for proxying that will direct requests to an idle mongrel if there is one.

Options appear to include:

• recompiling mod_proxy_balancer for Apache as described at http://labs.reevoo.com/

• compiling nginx with the fair proxy balancer for Solaris

• compiling haproxy for Open Solaris (although this may not work well with SMF)

Are these reasonable options? Have we missed anything obvious? We'd be very grateful for your advice.

Answer 1

Apache is a bit of a strange beast to use for your balancing. It's certainly capable but it's like using a tank to do the shopping.

Haproxy/Nginx are more specifically tailored for the job. You should get higher throughput and use fewer resources at the same time.