CDN

Definition

A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a distributed network of servers that cache and serve content from locations geographically closest to the user. This dramatically speeds up website loading times worldwide.

Simple Explanation

Without a CDN, a user in Tokyo downloads your images from your server in New York. With a CDN, they download from a CDN server in Tokyo. Same content, much shorter distance, much faster.

Real-World Use Case

A news website serves photos, articles, and videos to readers globally. A CDN ensures fast loading regardless of reader location.

Examples

Related Terms

Learn More

• Cloudflare CDN Overview
• Mozilla — What is a CDN?