How does a content delivery network CDN work in the cloud

Question

I’m setting up a website and heard that a CDN can improve performance. Can you explain how a content delivery network works in the cloud to achieve this?

Answer 1

Here's the explanation in concise points:

Step 1: Caching Static Content

• First-time user request goes to the origin server.

• The origin server processes and sends the content to the nearest CDN edge server (POP).

• The edge server caches the content for future use.

• For subsequent requests, the edge server directly delivers cached content, reducing latency and load on the origin server.

Step 2: Dynamic Acceleration

• Dynamic content (user-specific) cannot be cached.

• The CDN forwards dynamic requests to the origin server using an optimized connection.

• Intelligent routing and geographic proximity help reduce delays and speed up the connection between the user and the origin server.

Step 3: Edge Logic Computations

• CDN servers can handle tasks like:

  • Modifying user requests.

  • Validating incorrect requests.

  • Optimizing content before delivery.

• Offloading these tasks to edge servers reduces the origin server's workload, improving website performance.

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