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# What is a CDN?

## CDN Networks

CDN stands for _Content Delivery Network_. This term refers to a network of web servers around the world. The entities that make up a CDN work together to ensure the rapid distribution of content anywhere, via the Internet.

Websites generally use a CDN to ensure that their content is delivered to users quickly and reliably. A CDN can improve loading times, accommodate higher traffic volumes, and even reduce the bandwidth costs of cloud hosting.

To use a CDN, a user must pay for a CDN service (such as Cloudflare) or web hosting that includes the service. There are several types of commercial, private and peer-to-peer providers. Some content delivery networks also offer built-in security measures such as firewalls. 

CDNs use a variety of methods to distribute content, including active web caches and global hardware balancers. Thanks to these many advantages, CDNs are becoming increasingly popular.