CDNbacked

CDNbacked is a deployment model in which a site’s content and APIs are delivered primarily through a Content Delivery Network (CDN). The origin servers host the authoritative content and perform dynamic processing, while edge nodes cache and serve the majority of requests, reducing latency and origin load. CDNbacked architectures typically integrate DNS routing, origin configuration, and cache-control policies to manage how data is cached and refreshed.

Architecture components include the origin server, the CDN edge network, cache rules and TTLs, cache purging mechanisms, and security features such as TLS termination and access control. Some CDNs offer edge compute to run lightweight functions at the edge, enabling authentication, routing, or content transformation without hitting the origin. Asset versioning and cache-busting strategies are commonly used to ensure users receive the latest changes.

Benefits include lower latency, higher throughput, improved fault tolerance, and better scalability during traffic spikes. It also reduces bandwidth costs by serving cached content from edge locations. Potential drawbacks include vendor lock-in, higher ongoing costs, and complexities around cache invalidation and ensuring fresh content for frequently updated assets.

Common use cases are media-heavy websites, software and game downloads, storefronts with global audiences, APIs serving public data, and mobile apps that depend on fast asset delivery. Implementers typically configure origin settings, purge policies, and appropriate cache headers, test performance, and monitor cache hit ratios and latency.

Related concepts include edge caching, origin shield, signed URLs, and Web Application Firewall protection. CDNbacked emphasizes the balance between proximity of content to users and control over origin logic.