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CDN - Content Delivery Network

Published Date: 4 November 2022

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





Related Terms

Video Quality

In simple terms, video quality is the characteristic of a video that determines how clear, crisp, and detailed the video transmitted to the viewer is.

Video Watermark

A video watermark is a digital copyright tool used to identify the video's copyright owner or prevent illegal distribution.

1:1

1:1 is a commonly used aspect ratio in videography. It produces videos that are a perfect square; the width and height of the video image are the same.

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