A Comprehensive Survey on Content Delivery Networks: Architectures, Performance Optimization, and Future Trends

A CDN (Content Delivery Network) is a system of distributed servers around many locations which make sure the optimal delivery of content. Using multiple strategically positioned servers, CDNs improve website performance, minimize latency, and speed up the delivery of content by serving data from the server that is closest to an end user. They are used in accelerating web pages, streaming media, and distributing software updates. The unique fusion of efficiency, reliability, and security enables CDNs to handle such intense traffic loads with great success. CDNs are therefore necessary for businesses, media platforms, and e-commerce websites who want to provide a low-latency user experience. They also distribute traffic across multiple servers to prevent single points of failure and mitigate Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks. Moreover, CDNs help to conserve bandwidth, thus lowering costs for content suppliers. Modern CDNs embrace new technologies like edge computing, AI (artificial intelligence), and real-time analytic tools for further performance and security enhancements. They also enable dynamic content delivery with intelligent caching and adaptive streaming, improving responsiveness. With the need for speedy, flawless, and uninterrupted web interactions increasing, CDN participants increase and become an essential part of internet infrastructure. Assistance in regions becomes the need to address data compliances in regions such as the EU and make the system scalable to their global users. Keeping Small and Large Sites Running is a key to retaining such competitive edge in speed, availability, and security. Therefore, CDNs are a vital part of modern web infrastructure, enabling fast content delivery, improving user experience, and protecting digital content from cyber attacks.