Definition

• java based gateway service developed by netflix, layered ontop of the microservices
  • acts as a load balancer for the microservices

Pros

• simplifies client development - only need to hit one end point which is the zuul url
• centralises security
  • inbound is 1 URL
• enhances monitoring
  • allows for stats - traffic patterns, micro service health
• provides resiliency (ability to recover from failure/distruption/challenges)
  • failover from one microservice to another
  • circuit breaking - prevents massive cascading failure. once conditions are triggered can stop the entire process from continuing
  • monitoring & logging
  • health checks

Cons

• single point of failure
• adds complexity

considerations for choosing a gateway service

• tech stack
  • what the microservice is based upon
  • similar technologies = work faster = integrate better?
• features
  • routing
  • monitoring
  • security
• ease of use
  • learning curve
  • maintainence
• community and support
  • technologies which are constantly being monitored/updated/patched

other alternatives

• Spring Cloud Gateway
• Kong