GCDNI

Global Content Delivery Network Interconnection (GCDNI) is a framework intended to enable the interconnection of multiple content delivery networks to deliver content to end users across geographic and network boundaries. It aims to provide a cohesive model for cross-CDN delivery, including coordination of caching, routing, metadata exchange, and service policies to improve performance and availability on a global scale. The concept builds on the existing Content Delivery Network Interconnection (CDNI) framework by extending scope to interoperate across multiple providers and international domains.

The core goal of GCDNI is to facilitate seamless content delivery when content is hosted across different CDNs. It describes how participating providers can share capabilities, coordinate content placement and request routing, and enforce agreed service levels. Conceptual components typically include a control plane for policy management and trust, a metadata plane for content availability and capabilities, and a data plane for cross-CDN content transfer and request forwarding. The framework also covers interoperability considerations, governance models, and mechanisms for measurement and accountability.

Standardization status: GCDNI is associated with ongoing IETF CDNI work and related research efforts. It represents an area of standardization and development rather than a single deployed protocol. The literature and working group discussions outline reference architectures, interoperability scenarios, and best practices for coordinating multiple CDNs in a global context.

Impact and challenges: GCDNI offers potential benefits such as broader geographic reach, improved resilience, and more flexible content delivery. Challenges include establishing trust and policy alignment among providers, addressing privacy and security concerns, ensuring consistent metering and billing, and achieving interoperability across diverse operator environments.

Related topics include Content Delivery Network Interconnection and IETF CDNI discussions.