What is a Content Delivery Network (CDN)?
A Content Delivery Network or (CDN) uses caching and multiple points of presence (PoP) around the world to serve up your website quickly to visitors. It ensures availability during traffic spikes and DDoS attacks through the use of a distributed network.
It might sound super technical, but think of it from a visitor’s perspective. The top CDN providers are committed to making sure your visitors enjoy an available website that delivers content as quickly as possible. Given the amount of competition online today, finding the best CDN can mean a real advantage.
Why Use a CDN?
You might be asking why use a CDN? Having website content cached or replicated across the network makes it readily available to end users. With an optimized use of a network of servers, content can be delivered most efficiently, providing a smooth experience for visitors — so they stay on your site and return in the future.
How to Choose a CDN for Your Website
It might feel overwhelming to try finding the best CDN for your site, but we’ve already done some of the heavy lifting. To help make choosing a CDN easier there are a few key factors to consider:
1. CMS Support
You might find the best CDN for WordPress only to discover it’s not perfect for the CMS you’re using. As you’re evaluating a potential CDN, make sure it’s optimized to run with the CMS you’re on.
2. Support for Images
Image file sizes get large and this is where a CDN can help your site speed. But first, make sure it can actually deliver images. If your site is full of images, it’s a good idea to include the best image CDN in your search.
3. Support for Video Streaming
Video content can also account for a lot of your site’s speed. The best video CDN will ensure visitors have a great watching experience and keep them coming back for your video content.
4. Multiple Caching Options
Caching is key to providing a speedy browsing experience. It’s important your CDN has a caching option that works with the CMS you’re using. If it doesn’t, you’re missing out on one of the most important features a CDN has to offer.
5. Technical Support
Even the best CDN isn’t worth much if you have trouble operating it. Top CDN providers typically offer some type of technical assistance, either paid or free. If you’re considering one for yourself, the price and availability of tech support merits serious consideration.
Choosing a CDN Provider
We’ve rounded up today’s best CDN providers in order to give you a side-by-side comparison. Take a look at the features and pricing, and don’t hesitate to contact our team of helpful pros with any questions or concerns.
