.NET Architecture & System Design Interview Question #37

What is a Content Delivery Network (CDN)?

Caching, CDN, Queues & Asynchronous Processing Junior Beginner

Quick Interview Answer

A CDN is a geographically distributed network that caches and serves content from locations closer to users. It is commonly used for static files such as images, JavaScript, CSS, downloads, and video.

Detailed Explanation

CDNs can reduce origin-server load and network latency. Cache-control headers, versioned assets, invalidation, TLS, and the handling of dynamic or private content must be designed correctly.

Code Example

User -> Nearby CDN edge
             |
          cache miss
             v
        Origin server