Next‐Generation CDN: A CB Perspective

This chapter focuses on a variety of next‐generation content delivery networks (CDNs), specifically those addressing markets other than pure‐play CDNs. Although pure‐play CDNs are still the dominant form of CDN‐based traffic, a number of CDN variants have arisen to address different market needs and requirements. Some of these needs may be entirely strategic or operational‐that a CDN may be viewed as something so central to the delivery infrastructure of a company that it would like to have more direct control over one. The chapter discusses a number of next‐generation CDNs, such as those operated by carriers, those managed by CDN service providers on behalf of a carrier, CDNs that are federated between different organizations, and finally licensed CDNs where CDN technology is sold as a building block. The chapter concludes with a case study of one such licensed CDN, CoBlitz.