Term
CDN (Content Delivery Network)
Definition
A CDN is a system of distributed servers that speeds up the delivery of web content by serving it from locations closer to the user. This setup helps websites load faster by reducing the distance data needs to travel.
Where you'll find it
In web design platforms like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace, the CDN feature is typically found in the performance or speed settings. Some platforms might offer this feature only on certain plans or versions.
Common use cases
- Improving the loading speed of websites for users located far from the main server.
- Reducing bandwidth costs by decreasing the need for data to travel long distances.
- Increasing website reliability and reducing server load during high traffic periods.
Things to watch out for
- There might be an extra cost associated with enabling CDN on some platforms.
- Not all content types may be eligible for CDN caching, such as dynamic content that changes frequently.
- Integration with existing website features and plugins requires careful management to avoid conflicts.
Related terms
- Latency
- Bandwidth
- Caching
- Web Hosting
- Performance Optimization
Pixelhaze Tip: To see the benefits of a CDN, test your website’s loading speed with it turned on and off. This can help you decide if the performance improvement justifies any potential costs associated with the service.