A Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a system of computers strategically placed at various points along a network. Its purpose is to maximize bandwidth for access to data. It is specially aimed at fast and efficient delivery of online content to visitors.

CDNs employ a caching process to accomplish this goal for static content acceleration. When a user wishes to access some information, they are directed to a server closest to them (Provider POP, Point of Presence) thereby eliminating the bottleneck syndrome at the main server. Also many providers optimize the delivery of content from their POP’s to users by measuring, latency, packet lost and many other criteria’s.

CDN is immensely beneficial. It copies data’s to the various points in its network and hence enhances the bandwidth usage.

Scalability:

Today, a huge number of economic transactions are taking place online. Therefore, commerce websites must be ready to handle significant amounts of traffic at any time. A CDN is the perfect tool to achieve this state of speediness and reliability. CDNs can help distribute the heavy load of traffic but directing it to various locations thus avoiding congestion and help you get the most business. On the other hand, the internet is becoming the center of the entertainment world. Gaming, video streaming, watching movies online, social networking, and many other similar activities are now a part of the World Wide Web.

2009 was said to be the year of social networking which indirectly proves the fact that the need for CDNs is growing on a day to day basis.

Worldwide access:

Many CDN service providers have international servers that help you reach an international audience effectively. Whether you want to stream live music or perhaps progressively download videos, you can reach worldwide audience and make sure that everyone gets the best out of your content.

CDNs can cache web content and distribute your static or streaming web content across their strategically placed international servers; making sure that each and everyone of your international audience gets the best seat in the house. So even if you are located in USA, your CDN takes Egyptian visitors to the nearest server through geographical mapping, giving them the best possible online experience.

Always on:

Traffic congestion can really hamper a web server’s performance. Your viewers just might end up looking at error messages instead of your content. This is certainly not the best way to treat your customers.

CDN is a sophisticated method of managing internet traffic coming to your website. It spreads your content over its computers, effectively eliminating any hazards of heavy traffic and significantly enhancing your websites accessibility.

Better services:

CDNs are usually formally managed affairs. You can expect great customer service and of course efficient infrastructure. Many CDNs offer value add services such as encoding and transcoding support, whole site delivery, etc.

CDN providers buy transit and peer with different tire one and local ISP providers to ensure you content is served through the best path link.

What your ISP doesn’t offer:

Think of something that your regular server or ISP hasn’t put on offer. Chances are that there is a CDN out there offering those services.

Going with a CDN makes financial sense as well. You won’t need to pay for new server hardware and routing. With CDNs you also get full access to global data centers and international load balancing and failover options.

It is important to note here that CDNs aren’t necessarily expensive. The key is to find the ideal provider to suit your needs.