What does load balancing do in networking?

Load balancing in networking is essential for enhancing performance and reliability. It achieves this by distributing network traffic across multiple servers, ensuring that no single server becomes overwhelmed with requests. This distribution allows for optimal resource utilization, reduced response times, and improved redundancy. In scenarios where one server fails or experiences high traffic, load balancing can redirect user requests to available servers, maintaining smooth operations and availability for users.

The other options do not accurately describe the primary function of load balancing. Creating a backup copy of the server relates to data redundancy, while securing data transfer focuses on encryption and protection protocols. Optimizing bandwidth for large files is pertinent to data transmission efficiency but does not encapsulate the traffic distribution aspect that load balancing specifically addresses.