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DSDownloadSpeed
Infrastructure

CDN (Content Delivery Network)

A distributed network of servers that caches and delivers web content from locations geographically close to users, reducing latency and improving download speeds for websites and streaming.

What It Means

CDNs like Cloudflare, Akamai, and AWS CloudFront serve an estimated 60-70% of all internet traffic. When you watch Netflix, the video likely comes from a Netflix Open Connect server installed inside your ISP's network, not from a distant data center. CDNs reduce the distance data must travel, lowering latency from hundreds of milliseconds to single digits. Speed test results can vary depending on which CDN server you connect to — this is why different speed tests can show different results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "CDN" mean?

A distributed network of servers that caches and delivers web content from locations geographically close to users, reducing latency and improving download speeds for websites and streaming.

Why does CDN matter for internet quality?

CDNs like Cloudflare, Akamai, and AWS CloudFront serve an estimated 60-70% of all internet traffic. When you watch Netflix, the video likely comes from a Netflix Open Connect server installed inside your ISP's network, not from a distant data center. CDNs reduce the distance data must travel, loweri...

Related Terms

ISP (Internet Service Provider)
A company that provides internet access to consumers and businesses. Major U.S. ISPs include Comcast (Xfinity), Charter (Spectrum), AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.
Last Mile
The final leg of the network connecting the ISP's infrastructure to the customer's home or business. The last mile is typically the most expensive part of broadband deployment.
Provider Competition
The number of ISPs offering broadband service in a given area. Areas with three or more competitors typically have lower prices and faster speeds than monopoly or duopoly markets.
Municipal Broadband
Internet service owned and operated by a local government or public utility, rather than a private ISP. Often provides faster speeds at lower prices than incumbent providers.

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About This Data

Definitions based on FCC standards, industry specifications, and federal broadband policy. Speed benchmarks reflect 2024 FCC standards. See our methodology.