When you open a website and it takes too long to load. Is this annoying? Yes so are we. Especially when you consider how seamless experiences are now on the internet with Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) serving as "shortcuts" to deliver your sites or applications data from a server that is nearest to them.
I remember when I created my first blog, it opened up quickly on my computer, but when my friend across the ocean tried to visit it, they said it was the slowest webseite/ blog that they have ever loaded. Then I discovered CDNs and my sites performance increased tremendously.
For example: If the main server is in New York, and someone across the ocean in London tries to view your site, the CDN will serve up the experience from the nearest data center in Europe.
• Reduced load on main server- The traffic is spread out.
• Improved Security – Helps to prevent certain online attacks such as DDoS.
• Better overall performance worldwide – Individuals can access your site from anywhere, easily.
Pretty handy right?
Here’s the truth: Hosting provides your site a place to live, but a CDN make sure that your intended audience gets to your site in a timely way. Unless your visitors are all from the same classroom, hosting alone may not be sufficient. That is why many web hosting companies recommend utilizing a CDN. I have tried sites with and without a CDN. The site with a CDN always "felt" quicker, smoother.
Ask yourself: Do you want your visitor to wait, or want them to stay and enjoy the site?
So, if your site seems slow, perhaps its time to try a CDN. Trust me, your visitors will be happy.
I remember when I created my first blog, it opened up quickly on my computer, but when my friend across the ocean tried to visit it, they said it was the slowest webseite/ blog that they have ever loaded. Then I discovered CDNs and my sites performance increased tremendously.
What is a CDN?
A CDN is a group of servers in a host of locations across large parts of the world. Instead of just one main server that serves all of the content of the website or application, it serves from the nearest possible location of the user.For example: If the main server is in New York, and someone across the ocean in London tries to view your site, the CDN will serve up the experience from the nearest data center in Europe.
What Are CDNs Used For?
CDNs are not just reserved for the large websites like Netflix or YouTube; smaller websites can benefit from them too.The biggest benefits include:
• Faster Speeds – Pages load faster.• Reduced load on main server- The traffic is spread out.
• Improved Security – Helps to prevent certain online attacks such as DDoS.
• Better overall performance worldwide – Individuals can access your site from anywhere, easily.
Pretty handy right?
How Do CDNs Work With Hosting
You may ask "Isn't that what hosting does?"Here’s the truth: Hosting provides your site a place to live, but a CDN make sure that your intended audience gets to your site in a timely way. Unless your visitors are all from the same classroom, hosting alone may not be sufficient. That is why many web hosting companies recommend utilizing a CDN. I have tried sites with and without a CDN. The site with a CDN always "felt" quicker, smoother.
Do you need a CDN?
If your blog's visitors are predominantly from your city or country, you could most likely skip the CDN. However, if your blog visitors cross locations and spans of the world, or if you are using lots of images and videos on your site, then a CDN usage is properly emphasized.Ask yourself: Do you want your visitor to wait, or want them to stay and enjoy the site?
Final Thoughts
Hosting is the home of your site. CDNs are the speedy delivery boys that bring it to your site as fast as possible. CDNs can assist in speed, user comfort, and even security.So, if your site seems slow, perhaps its time to try a CDN. Trust me, your visitors will be happy.
