Glossary

CDN

Content Delivery Network — distributes copies of your site across the globe for speed.

Definition

A CDN puts edge servers in many cities. When a visitor loads your site, they get static files (images, scripts, cached pages) from the nearest edge instead of crossing the world to your origin server. This dramatically reduces load time and absorbs traffic spikes.

Most CDNs also provide a security layer: TLS termination, DDoS mitigation, basic web-application firewall, and bot protection. For most modern small sites, a CDN is a near-default choice.

Example

A reader in Sydney loads your site. The image at the top of the page comes from the CDN's Sydney edge in 30 ms instead of 350 ms from your origin in Frankfurt.

Frequently asked questions

Does a CDN replace hosting?

No. The CDN sits in front of hosting. You still need an origin server.

Is a CDN worth it for a small blog?

Yes — many offer generous free tiers and the speed/security benefits show up immediately.