Load Balancer Control Panel
A practical control panel for SMB infrastructure teams to manage redirects, SSL certificates (Let's Encrypt), and backend pools in a two-node NGINX setup. It replaced a fragile PHP and Apache redirect workflow with a safer, centralized, and scalable system.
1 month
Development Time
Solo project
Collaboration
50%
Faster Setup
0%
SEO Loss
The Challenge
The client relied on an old PHP and Apache application to manage a small set of domain redirects. It supported only around ten redirects, SSL was handled manually, and there was no central view or audit trail. Changes required direct edits on servers, with no automated rollback if something went wrong.
My Approach
I built a control panel (Django REST API and React front end) that holds redirect rules, backend pools, and optional custom NGINX server blocks in a database. Operators manage everything through the UI. On deploy, the system generates NGINX config files, runs a safe reload (test, backup, rollback on failure), and pushes the same config to both nodes over SSH. Let's Encrypt certificates are requested automatically; once certs exist on both nodes, a second deploy enables HTTPS without a second click. The panel runs on both nodes for high availability.
Technical Features
Built with modern technologies and best practices for reliability and performance
Safe deploys
Config is tested before apply; automatic backup and rollback on failure
SSL with Let's Encrypt
Certificates issued and applied automatically; operators see success or failure in the UI
Two-node HA
Panel and load balancers run on both nodes so traffic continues if one fails
Django + React panel
REST API and single-page app for redirect rules, backend pools, and custom server blocks
Interface Overview
See how this control panel makes NGINX management simple and intuitive
Redirect Management
Create and manage 301/302 redirects with simple clicks. Monitor status, hits, and performance for all your redirects in one place.
NGINX Configuration
Manage and deploy NGINX configuration files safely. Version control, validation, and easy rollback for all configuration changes.
Health Checks
Monitor system health and availability in real-time. Automatic checks with detailed reporting and alerts.
Dashboard Overview
Get a complete overview of the entire system. Statistics, activity, and quick links to all important functions.
Key Features
Centralised management: all redirects and SSL in one place
Safe deploys: test, backup, rollback on failure
SSL self-service: certificates issued and applied automatically
High availability: two-node design and shared virtual IP
Easier operations: single panel to maintain and extend
Technologies Used
Project Impact
Centralised management, safe deploys, SSL self-service, and high availability. Replaced a fragile, manually bound process with a single panel that is straightforward to maintain and extend.
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