CDN stands for Content Delivery Network. It is a global network of servers designed to deliver web content to users faster and more efficiently. When you use a CDN service, content such as images, videos, JavaScript and HTML files is distributed to multiple servers around the world so the content can be delivered from the server nearest to the user. This reduces loading time and improves the overall user experience.
How does a CDN work?
When a website is connected to a CDN, copies of the site's static content (e.g., images and files) are stored on different servers, also called edge servers, located in data centers around the world. When a user visits the website, the CDN delivers the content from the server closest to the user's geographic location. This is done to minimize the time it takes for data to travel over the Internet, resulting in faster and more stable loading.
Advantages of using a CDN:
- Faster loading times: By reducing the distance between the user and the server, content can be delivered faster, improving page speed and user experience.
- Less server load: Traffic is distributed across multiple servers, reducing pressure on the original server and preventing overload.
- Better availability: Since the content is distributed across multiple servers, the website can still be accessible even if one server goes down.
- Improved SEO: Faster pages can achieve better rankings in search engines like Google, as page speed is a ranking factor.
Why is a CDN important?
CDN is especially important for websites with a global audience or websites with a lot of content that must be delivered quickly and efficiently, e.g., e-commerce platforms, streaming services and media portals. It is also crucial for maintaining a good user experience, as slow pages can lead to higher bounce rates and loss of customers.
Using a CDN helps ensure that your site always loads quickly, no matter where in the world your users are located. This makes it an essential technology for modern web performance.