What Is a Content Delivery Network (CDN) Why is it Important for Video Streaming?

A CDN or content distribution network benefits every organization or company that handles significant online traffic. Regardless of the industry, having a CDN helps manage sudden traffic spikes while maintaining security.

So whether you have a streaming platform, an entertainment website, an e-commerce website, or any digital video platform receiving large requests, you need content delivery network technology.

Today we will uncover different aspects of CDN and how you should choose the right one. 

Let’s get started-

What Is a Content Distribution Network?

CDN, a content distribution or delivery network, is a group of servers that are scattered across the globe. Since these servers are located in different locations, they share the load and quickly deliver a user’s request.

CDN companies install these servers at different locations worldwide, so when a user requests a web page, a downloadable file, or any digital content, the nearest server can serve their request. 

This ability to rely on the nearest server instead of the origin server is provided by CDN.

How Does A CDN Work?

Different servers in a CDN fulfill requests as per the locations they are set in. For example, if a user from China requests a web page, then the server closest to China will serve the request instead of a server that is located in Canada.

If the webpage is not cached at the nearest server, the server will get it from another nearby server and fulfill the request.

This way, all the requests do not have to rely on a single server; hence, the traffic load is always distributed among many servers.

Today users have shorter time spans, and if a web page takes more loading time, it tends to lose the visitor forever. That’s why more and more companies or websites are adopting CDN and reducing the response time.

Using such technology doesn’t only serve the requests faster, it also brings you cost-efficiency. Since all the traffic doesn’t have to go to the origin server, it travels less and hence costs less. 

CDNs make a win-win for everyone!

How Does A Video CDN Work?

Like any other industry where heavy traffic is usual, video streaming platforms also utilize CDN big time. Videos are heavy media files that consume a lot of bandwidth, and users expect their videos to be loaded instantly without buffering.

This makes CDN a must-have thing for streaming sites so that users can stream videos instantly with minimum lag. Whenever a user requests a video file, such as a web series or movie, the request goes to the nearest server and gets delivered.

This reduces the significant load on the origin server and also makes the travel time way lesser. Once media is requested from a server, the same media stays there in the cache for future requests.

Different Types Of CDNs

CDN works by speeding up the data transmission process and securing resources from fake traffic. However, there are kinds of CDN that you should consider before making a choice. Let’s get to know these types here.

1. Push CDN

This one keeps copying the files from a web server to a CDN, regardless of the request. Push CDN is an automated process beneficial for websites with static content. This CDN keeps all the files cached, reducing the need to request the data regularly.

2. Origin Pull CDN

Pull CDN works only when a user requests a file or data. This kind of CDN doesn’t automate things and requests files until called for. Pull CDN hence doesn’t load the server since it only contacts the origin when needed. If you are looking for a CDN for video streaming, this can be a perfect CDN kind.

3. Peer-to-Peer CDN

In Peer to Peer CDN, the users, also known as peers, are utilized as resources to exchange data. So instead of relying on the CDN servers every time, P2P CDN also relies on its users, making them both a client and a server.

For example, if many people stream the same episode of a show, P2P CDN fulfills their requests by using other people who are watching the same episode instead of going back and forth to the server.

Such a CDN reduces the overall cost to the company since it uses peer connections to share the data and does not load the server unnecessarily.

Benefits Of Using A CDN For Streaming

Let’s get to know some more benefits that come with using CDN.

● Performance

CDN eliminates issues like slow load time and other media issues. This reduces the number of users leaving the website and decreases a website’s bounce rate. When a user gets to have no lagging and fast loading of web pages and media, they tend to stay longer and return for streaming in the future also.

● Faster Content Delivery

CDN has many servers distributed globally. This means that, unlike local networks, CDN utilizes the nearest servers and makes the fastest delivery. CDN reduces the physical distance between a user and the server, and it keeps the content ready in the cache, which provides the user with content in just a blink.

● Reliability And Security

With CDN, you can avoid all the issues like DDoS attacks which send fake traffic to your server and keep it from serving legitimate requests. You can also eliminate MITM (Man in the Middle) threats and firewall issues. With CDN, you ensure to serve your traffic on time and serve genuine traffic.

● Better Scalability

Since CDN is all about faster delivery, it makes the users stay on your website and can handle traffic spikes easily. So even when you suddenly get a lot of traffic, CDN handles well and strengthens customer engagement.

Unlocking The Potential Of A Powerful CDN: Free Vs. Paid

To own the CDN service is to pay for it; however, some companies also offer free CDN. Let’s get to know about paid and free CDN below.

Paid CDN

Different CDN providers charge differently and have an array of pricing plans too. Some might charge you in the form of a subscription where you pay them every month; some might charge you as per your usage.

“As you go” plans require you to pay only for the services you use; hence, they are more pocket-friendly. This way, the more your company grows, the more resources you can request and pay accordingly.

Also, you can ask them for additional resources when you expect a spike in traffic. In all cases where you want more security, assistance, and scalability, looking for a paid CDN is wise.

One should also read the contract with the CDN provider; once you agree with all the terms, you should proceed.

Free CDN

As there are paid CDNs, there are free CDNs as well. Free CDNs come in handy when you don’t want to invest any bucks and just want to have an experience of it. When it comes to free CDN, you can utilize two options:

● Basic CDNs

Sometimes free CDNs can be all you need since they also hold the caching capacity and might be enough for your organizational needs. Also, a free CDN doesn’t have to be of adverse quality; they can actually be well-functioning and useful.

You just need to try out different free CDNs from different providers and settle for the one that suits you the most. Some CDN providers also provide you with free services in exchange for some services, such as running their ads on your website.

● Open-Source CDNs

Another option you can try is having an open-source CDN. However, you need to have coding knowledge for the same or need to hire a coding professional. Such CDNs can give you customized features that your normal free CDN cannot.

Such CDN is free; however, if you don’t know how to code yourself, you need to pay the fee to a professional coder.

Things to Consider For In A Video Streaming CDN

While choosing a CDN, regardless of its pricing plans, always make sure to check the following factors:

1. The Count Of Total Servers 

A CDN works effectively because hundreds of servers balance the traffic load. The more servers there are, the more efficiently a CDN works. Hence, looking at the server count before choosing a CDN is important.

The count is responsible for speed and scalability; compare different CDNs for their server count and go with the higher number.

2. The Location Of Scattered Servers

Just like the server count, their geographical locations matter too. These locations are also known as PoPs or Points of Presence. You should always choose a CDN that features servers near your region.

The more servers near your location, the faster they serve your traffic. You should also consider the location of your maximum audience and consider a CDN accordingly.

3. Live Streaming Support

Surely CDNs work with streaming and instantly avail all those media files to your viewers. However, it is also important to check a CDN for live-streaming support. This is necessary when you have a platform that supports live streaming and wants your viewers to have real-time interactions.

While looking for a CDN, ensure that it provides a live streaming feature instead of going for the one that doesn’t provide such support. Read the description of the CDN, or you can also contact their customer support to confirm the live streaming feature.

4. Security

Aside from all these factors, do consider security and check if the CDN is able to protect your website against attacks like DDoS and other such attacks.

Meanwhile, it is wise to check their customer support and whether they provide 24/7 assistance.

How Does GUDSHO Use CDN For Streaming Delivery?

GUDSHO is an online video platform that lets enterprises and individual creators upload and monetize their content. The platform provides a comprehensive Video CMS, advanced video analytics, top-tier security, and much more.

GUDSHO utilizes Akamai CDN Solutions that provide a strategic setup of servers across the globe. The same arrangement lets visitors stream the content even when there is more traffic than usual and during traffic spikes.

Akamai features a capacity of 300+ Tbps and servers arranged in over 4,200 locations in more than 130 countries. The same numbers make it one of the largest CDN providers with top-notch speed and security. 

Let’s explore more reasons why you should choose GUDSHO

High-Quality Playback

Choosing a platform like GUDSHO gives visitors a smooth and fast video playback experience. CDNs like Akamai are designed to provide an optimized experience for streaming across devices.

Instant Downloads

Another feature that is offered by many streaming platforms is downloading the media. Akamai CDN transmits the data in just a blink, allowing faster and instant downloads. Opting for GUDSHO makes you utilize the powerful performance of Akamai and hence reliable downloads every time.

Faster APIs

APIs let users connect to applications seamlessly. Using APIs saves your visitors time, and they can sign up with just one click. Having fast APIs is another boon that comes with having a quality CDN. By choosing GUDSHO, you expose your channel for faster operations, leading to improved user experience.

Conclusion

Let’s not slow websites frustrate visitors and give them a smooth and fast streaming experience. This is possible by choosing a CDN service provider or a streaming website that utilizes a CDN.

Content creators can sign up on streaming platforms with CDN, such as GUDSHO, to build their online presence and increase their viewers. Protect your content from any possible attacks and threats by opting for the protection of CDN.