Content Distribution Networks (CDNs)

One of the key service providers in a Colocation Center are Content Distribution Networks (CDNs). CDNs allow the efficient distribution of content (web pages, video, software patches, games, etc.) over the Internet. As content demand, especially for video, grows, there is more traffic that can benefit from CDN services. The CDN industry has a plethora of providers (over 50). CDNs are provided by more well-known companies like Akamai (News - Alert) and Limelight, by integrated providers like AT&T and Level 3 and by smaller players like Bit Gravity and Highwinds.

So how do you know if you need a CDN for your website?

1. Depends a lot on your content: If you have content that is very sensitive to latency/packet loss performance, then you might want to use a CDN. This is especially true if you have all your content in one location and are trying to get to users who are far away. The CDN will distribute your content, moving it closer to the user so the user sees better performance.

2. Availability and performance issues related to the Internet: Sometimes the path from your servers to the end users can be slow because of your network providers. Using a CDN may avoid this.

3. If your traffic load is inconsistent: You can always buy servers/storage/bandwidth to support your peak traffic. But if you have higher traffic on some days than on others that means you will often have poor utilization. It might be cheaper to use a CDN to smooth out your traffic.

4. You have security concerns for denial of service and other malicious attacks: A CDN may help here if it provides security at the edges and can see across more websites that may be having problems. CDNs cannot prevent attacks but may help you deal better with them.

5. Limited visibility: CDNs can often give you tools so that you can see how your environment performs. Reports can include where users are, errors, page views, etc. These reports can help you improve the experience of users of your content.

6. You need value-added services: Many CDN providers also provide other content management services like encoding, management and monitoring of content.

So, if you fit any of these, take a look at CDNs. IT

Rose Klimovich is Vice President, Product Development, Telx (www.telx.com).

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