edgeCDN

edgeCDN is a category of content delivery network architecture that places caching servers and, in some deployments, compute resources at the network edge, physically closer to end users. The goal is to reduce latency and improve performance by serving content from nearby nodes rather than the origin server. EdgeCDNs typically consist of a distributed network of edge points of presence (PoPs) that cache frequently requested objects such as images, scripts, and videos, and may also execute lightweight application logic at the edge to tailor responses or perform real-time processing.

Key components include edge caches, origin servers, routing and traffic steering mechanisms (often DNS-based or HTTP-based), and edge computing functions. Content is retrieved from the origin when not cached or after cache expiration, and cache control policies determine how long items stay at the edge. Many edgeCDN services support dynamic content delivery, image and video optimization, and edge computing features such as request routing, personalization, A/B testing, and edge runtimes.

Benefits include lower latency, reduced origin load, improved availability, and better bandwidth efficiency. EdgeCDN is particularly advantageous for latency-sensitive applications such as interactive websites, streaming, mobile apps, and IoT, and it complements traditional CDNs by enabling compute at the edge in addition to caching.

Deployment considerations include cache invalidation and purging, consistency models, regional compliance, monitoring, and integration with the origin and existing CDN stack. Security features often include TLS termination, DDoS protection, WAF, and bot management at the edge.

Examples of providers that offer edge CDN capabilities include major CDN platforms and specialized edge computing services.