Guide: Understanding and Answering Questions on Content Distribution Network (CDN)
What is CDN?
A Content Distribution Network (CDN) is a geographically distributed network of servers and their data centers. It aims to provide fast delivery of Internet content including HTML pages, javascript files, stylesheets, images, and videos.
Why is CDN important?
CDNs are crucial as they ensure website availability and speed up the delivery of content to users globally, regardless of their geographical location. This reduces bandwidth costs, improves website load times, and increases content availability and redundancy.
How does CDN work?
When a user requests a webpage that is part of a CDN, the CDN will redirect the request from the originating site's server to a server in the CDN that is closest to the user and deliver the cached content. CDNs also communicate with the origin server to deliver any content that has not been previously cached.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on CDN in exams:
1. Understand the fundamental concepts: Be clear about what CDN is, how it works, and its importance.
2. Use relevant terminologies: Get acquainted with CDN terminologies such as Origin Server, Edge Server, PoP (Point of Presence), etc.
3. Practical examples: Try to relate the theoretical concepts with practical examples. For example, think about how popular streaming services use CDN for optimal content delivery.
4. Recall the benefits: Remember the key benefits of CDN such as improved website load times, cost reduction, and increased content availability and redundancy.