What is Content Delivery Network(CDN)?

A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a distributed network of servers that work together to deliver content (like images, videos, and static files) to users faster and more efficiently.

These servers, called edge servers, which are strategically positioned across various geographical locations.
CDNs help improve the performance, reliability, and scalability of websites and web applications by caching content closer to users, reducing latency, and offloading traffic from origin servers.

1. Without CDN

When a user requests content from a website without a CDN, the request is sent directly to the origin server where the website is hosted. The origin server processes the request and sends back the requested content to the user’s device.

If the origin server is located far away from the user, it may result in longer loading times due to increased latency.
High traffic volumes or server overload can lead to slower response times and even server downtime, negatively impacting user experience.

2. With CDN

When a user requests content from a website with a CDN, the CDN identifies the user’s location and routes the request to the nearest edge server. The edge server, which stores cached copies of the website’s content, quickly delivers the requested content to the user.

Since edge servers are distributed globally, content delivery is faster, resulting in reduced latency and faster load times.
The CDN also helps to offload traffic from the origin server, reducing the risk of server overload and ensuring consistent performance even during traffic spikes.
Additionally, CDNs often include built-in security features such as DDoS protection and web application firewalls, enhancing website security and protecting against cyber threats.