Definition
A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a distributed network of servers that work together to deliver web content, such as images, videos, scripts, and other resources, to users based on their geographic location. CDNs cache copies of content at various locations to reduce latency and improve load times.
Function
The main function of a CDN is to enhance the performance and speed of websites by delivering content from the nearest server to the user. This reduces the distance data has to travel, resulting in faster download times and improved user experience. Additionally, CDNs can increase reliability and security, handle higher traffic loads, and protect against DDoS attacks by distributing requests across multiple servers.
Related Terms
- Caching: A technique used to store copies of files or data temporarily to reduce latency and improve load times, crucial in CDN operations.
- Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transmitted over an internet connection in a given time, which is essential for understanding CDN performance.
- Load Balancing: The distribution of network or application traffic across multiple servers, often aided by CDNs to enhance reliability and performance.
Here is the Wikipedia Article
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