What is a consequence of marking a backend server to drain connections?

Marking a backend server to drain connections is a method used in load balancing and server management to ensure that ongoing requests can complete without abruptly terminating them. When a server is marked as draining, it informs the load balancer that no new connections should be sent to that server. However, it allows existing connections to continue processing until they are finished, ensuring a smoother transition and reducing the risk of service disruptions for users.

This approach is particularly useful during maintenance or when decommissioning servers, as it helps maintain a good user experience. Other options presented in the question do not accurately represent the purpose of draining connections. For instance, marking a server to drain does not prevent further maintenance or force disconnections; it specifically focuses on allowing current requests to be completed before taking any further action with the server. Additionally, it does not reroute all traffic immediately, as the load balancer continues to honor ongoing connections established prior to the draining status.