What is CDN?
CDN—or Content Delivery Network—is a geographically dispersed network of servers and data centers used for quick and efficient delivery of content. A CDN eliminates network traffic by distributing content requests across strategically positioned proxy servers—so as to reduce the burden on origin servers.
How does a CDN work?
CDN effectively reduces the distance between the broadcaster's and the user's server by storing cached versions of video content in multiple edge servers or "PoPs" (Points of Presence). PoPs connect streaming requests to the CDN network in the premise—which then accesses the cached content and delivers it to visitors as requested.
The goal is to ensure the quick availability of HD content, faster loading times, and overall high-end performance by distributing streams in a spatial, secure, and reliable manner.
The more extensive a broadcaster's content delivery network is and the closer a viewer's server is to a PoP, the better their streaming experience will be.
Benefits of CDN
- CDN improves the speed and connectivity of delivery assets even during times of heavy traffic.
- It also cuts down infrastructure costs and packet losses