> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://mariadb.com/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/maxscale-architecture.md).

# MaxScale Architecture

- [About MariaDB MaxScale](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/maxscale-architecture/mariadb-maxscale-guide.md): Learn the fundamental concepts of MariaDB MaxScale. This guide explains its role as a database proxy, its plugin-based architecture, and how it manages database connections.
- [MariaDB MaxScale Overview](https://mariadb.com/docs/maxscale/maxscale-architecture/mariadb-maxscale-overview.md): Get a high-level view of MariaDB MaxScale features. Explore how it handles load balancing, high availability, and security to optimize your database infrastructure.