CDN or content delivery network refers to a large system of servers that are distributed in various data centers to serve the internet. The CDN service helps users to access information easily and fast. The available servers help with the access of content such as web objects (scripts, graphics, texts and URLs), applications, live streaming media, social networks and downloadable objects among others.
The content vendor is responsible for paying the service provider. The latter in turn has to pay for a number of services such as ISPs, carriers and network operators for being hosted on the servers found in the data centers. Besides making content easily accessible, the service also helps with the reduction of network traffic which has been associated with huge savings in operation costs. It is also an important aspect of internet security as it helps in protection of data from malware.
The provider of the network usually owns and operates most of the servers but the trend is to use hybrid models which use P2P technology. In this new system both the servers of the provider and those of peers offering the same service are used. Most CDNs operate as on-demand software (also referred to as application service providers, ASP). Some large companies that provide content to internet users also run their own CDNs.
The necessary nodes are located in multiple sites and distributed over a number of backbones. There are several benefits that accrue from this arrangement. Perhaps the most important of them is the fact that running costs are markedly reduced. These may either come as direct savings such as reduced bandwidth costs or indirect as reduced traffic. The nodes usually number up to several thousands.
One requests are received they are redirected to available optimal nodes in an algorithmic manner. To select the optimal node, the number of network seconds between the various servers and the clients are determined. The cost of providing content via the chosen node is also a determining factor. The less expensive the chosen option, the better.
One of the recent trends in internet technology is an increase in the use of streaming video which is usually characterized by huge traffic. Broadband providers have to invest huge amounts of capital to provide this service. In order to continue providing good quality service most of the providers have resorted to starting their own content delivery networks. The advantage of this is a reduction in the investments required on infrastructure as well as reducing the demand on the network backbone.
There are two techniques used to balance the load on the server. They include the service-based and the hardware-based techniques. The latter is also known as content switch. Both options work by facilitating the sharing of traffic among the available servers and web caches. The content switch is given a unique virtual IP address and when traffic arrives, it is redirected to the servers attached to this switch.
The CDN service is a great development in the internet world. It continues to undergo important improvements that are likely to make it even more useful. Some of these improvements aim at bringing content closer to the clients and reducing on the costs incurred by the provider. Utilization of video data is one the areas that have benefitted from these improvements.
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