load balancer + switch

I need to load balance 3 web servers + a db server and I'm trying to figure out what switch/load balance setup I need and I'm a bit confused. I go to sites of Cisco, Nortel, F5, Radware and try to make sense of all the different devices they have, but there are so many damn devices that I still can't figure out what the hell I need.

Is a load balancer the same as a Layer 4 switch?
If I get a load balancer will I still need to get a switch?

If yes, they both have rows of ports, how do I connect the two? Which one is connected to the provider's feed, which one to the servers, and how are they connected together?

If no, anyone know of a fair priced load balancer/switch combo? Is a combo device even a good idea? I've read they are pricier and less reliable.

Stuff like caching, compression, firewall/security, ssl, etc. are all extras that I don't absolutely need (but wouldn't mind having if not big diff in price). All I need is a decent managed L2 switch + a decent load balancer, together or separate. Nothing too complicated. Anyone have model numbers to recommend?

 

 

 

 

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