A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a system of servers distributed across various data centers on the Internet. Its primary goal is to provide high availability and performance when delivering content to end-users.
Today, CDNs handle a significant portion of Internet content, including web objects like text, graphics, and scripts. They also manage downloadable objects such as media files and software, as well as applications like e-commerce platforms and social networks. Furthermore, CDNs support live-streaming and on-demand streaming media.
Content providers, including media companies and e-commerce vendors, pay CDN operators to deliver their content efficiently. In return, CDNs pay Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and network operators for hosting their servers. This setup not only improves performance but also reduces the load on the provider’s original infrastructure, potentially cutting costs.
Additionally, CDNs offer protection against Denial of Service (DoS) attacks. By leveraging their extensive server networks, CDNs can absorb attack traffic, safeguarding the content provider.
While traditional CDNs relied on dedicated servers, a new trend involves using a hybrid model. This model combines dedicated servers with peer-to-peer technology, allowing content to be served from both dedicated servers and user-owned computers.