Is it worth using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) for website operators?

Despite the increasing amount of data generated by the more frequent use of high-resolution images and HD videos, content delivery to website visitors should be done with minimal loading times. Especially for websites with high traffic, the technology of a simple server often reaches its limits. The use of a Content Delivery Network (CDN) promises potential for optimization in this case. But what is behind this service and is it worth it for website owners?

What is a Content Delivery Network?

The task of a Content Delivery Network is to deliver a website's content to visitors as quickly as possible. To achieve this, the website's own content is stored as a copy on the servers of a CDN provider, which are usually distributed worldwide. When visitors access certain content on the website, it is not delivered from the website's own server, but from a server in the Content Delivery Network located near the visitor's location. Especially for content such as images, audio files, or videos, which require a lot of bandwidth, the distribution of files in the Content Delivery Network significantly relieves the website's own server and speeds up data delivery.

Which providers are available?

The market offers a wide range of providers, each offering a suitable solution for every application. From free CDN services for simple bloggers to professional offerings for large companies, the decision for a specific provider can be made based on budget and technical knowledge.

Free CDN Solutions

• Google App Engine

Google's App Engine provides its service for free with restrictions on the resources used. These are usually sufficient for normal websites, and additional resources can be purchased if needed. However, setting up the service is very time-consuming as all files need to be uploaded to Google's server manually.

• CloudFlare

More user-friendly than Google App Engine, the service from CloudFlare allows website owners to register their domain for free and distribute it via the CDN from more than 20 different data centres worldwide. The setup is done through a clear web interface, and many setup tips are provided. There are no restrictions in the free plan, but for users who want to implement further optimization processes and security measures, paid options are also available.

Paid CDN Solutions

• Amazon Cloudfront

One of the most well-known providers is Amazon with its Cloudfront CDN. The service is considered particularly reliable, the setup is well explained, and the costs are reasonable. Amazon Cloudfront is especially interesting for website owners who are looking for more than a free solution but still want to keep costs under control.

• Akamai

The most powerful service for extensive web projects is provided by Akamai. Customers can access a CDN in more than 80 different countries. The provider excels particularly in speed and flexibility, although this is reflected in the relatively high costs.

What are the Benefits of a Content Delivery Network?

Many website owners wonder about the specific benefits for their own web presence when using a Content Delivery Network:

• Improved Loading Times

The biggest advantage of using a Content Delivery Network is the improved loading times. Content is always delivered from the CDN server closest to the website visitor, reducing the delay in traditional data transfer that often occurs across different locations and continents.

• Increased Stability

Since the servers of the CDN provider are connected to the internet within a professional infrastructure, there is less network latency and packet loss to be expected. Additionally, distributing data across multiple locations ensures higher availability and stability of data, even in the event of a sudden surge in visitors to the website.

• Lower Costs

By offloading website content to the CDN provider's servers and not delivering it through your own server, your own infrastructure is less burdened. This can help reduce bandwidth consumption and performance demands on your hosting provider, resulting in cost savings.

• Additional Web Analysis Capability

Since most VPS hosting providers offer their own analysis reports on the usage of their services, website operators have the opportunity to use these reports as a source of web analysis data. Based on detailed information about website visitors, the website's own offering can then be optimised individually.

What are the disadvantages of a Content Delivery Network?

Where there is light, there is also shadow. Of course, a Content Delivery Network (CDN) is not an unconditional panacea. The use of this technical solution also brings disadvantages:

• Higher Effort

Setting up to use a Content Delivery Network is an additional effort for website operators. The website's own domain must be transmitted to the CDN provider and configured correctly. Even though many providers offer a clear web interface and numerous tutorials, setting up still requires a certain amount of time that the website operator must invest or outsource accordingly.

• Security Concerns

Since all traffic is routed through the provider's servers when using a Content Delivery Network, additional entry points and security risks are opened up. Some data, such as JavaScript, are particularly common targets for hackers. Furthermore, a variety of data about visitors is sent along, so data protection policies should also be considered.

• Loss of Control

By using a Content Delivery Network, one relinquishes some control over their own data to the respective provider. Not all companies can come to terms with the idea of handing over all data to a company usually based in the USA. Especially if it might even be a direct competitor, the matter is even more delicate.

Who benefits from using a Content Delivery Network?

Generally, the decision to use or not to use a Content Delivery Network should always be made individually based on the requirements and characteristics of the respective online project. While large websites with lots of content and visitors benefit from shorter loading times and higher availability, smaller websites with manageable visitor flows may not always necessarily need to use a Content Delivery Network. In each specific case, the advantages and disadvantages should be carefully weighed up, and a suitable implementation should be decided upon afterwards.