Sisällönjakelukeskukset

Sisällönjakelukeskukset, often referred to by their English acronym CDN (Content Delivery Network), are geographically distributed networks of proxy servers. Their primary purpose is to deliver web content to users quickly and efficiently. Instead of all users accessing a single origin server, a CDN caches copies of website content, such as images, videos, and scripts, on servers located in various data centers around the world.

When a user requests content, the CDN directs the request to the server closest to them. This proximity significantly reduces latency, meaning the time it takes for data to travel from the server to the user. By bringing content closer to end-users, CDNs improve website loading speeds, enhance user experience, and reduce the burden on the origin server.

CDNs are crucial for handling high traffic volumes and ensuring availability, especially during peak times or viral events. They can absorb large numbers of requests, preventing the origin server from becoming overwhelmed and potentially crashing. Many large websites and online services rely on CDNs to deliver their content reliably and swiftly to a global audience. The implementation of a CDN involves a contractual agreement with a CDN provider who manages the network of servers and their distribution.