AWS CloudFront

AWSCloudFront is is is a CDN(Content Delivery Network ) which is a system of distribute server . It is used to deliver web content like video , application , and api to user base on their geographical location with low latency and high transfer speed . There are various example of cdn like Akamai , Cloudflare , AWSCloudFront , etc .

How AWSCloudFront Work ?

Amazon CloudFront is a service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that is used to deliver your content across the networks of servers located across the world these servers are called edge locations. The content can be any of the following.

• Images
• Videos
• Static and dynamic data.

The content that is deliver to the edge location will be store in the origin server and from the edge location end user can access the content without latency .

At first end users will request the content from the web browser then the web browser will send a DNS request to resolve the domain name of the website then the DNS server is returns return the ip address of the near CloudFront edge location . Then the cached content will be deliver to the end user other it will fetch and deliver to the end user .

The user who requires the content will request the content from a web browser this request will be sent a DNS request and resolves the domain name of your website. Then the DNS will search and give the nearest CloudFront edge location. The web browser will request the content from the edge location and then content cached in the edge locations will be delivered to the end user. In Simplest terms, cloud computing means storing and accessing the data and programs on remote servers hosted on the internet instead of the computer’s hard drive or local server. It is also referred to as Internet-based computing.

AWSCloudFront Using Web Application Firewall(WAF)

AWSCloudFront can integrate with multiple AWSservice one is is of them isWAF (Web Application Firewall) which adds an additional layer of security to WAF.

Features of Integrating AWSCDN With WAF:

• Web Application Firewall(WAF): AWSWeb Application Firewall(WAF) is used to protect the web application from the web vulnerabilities by applying the filters.
• CloudFront WAF Integration: You is integrate can integrate the WAF with the CloudFront with the help of web ACL(Access Control List ) which will act as an filter to the web application .
• Web ACL (Access Control List): Web ACL allows you to apply the rules like which request can access the application and which need to be blocked.

AWSCloudFront Use case

• deliver Static web Content :static content likeHTML , CSS, JavaScript, and images and be cached to the edge location and can be deliverd to the end users with out any latency. The static content can be cached in the edge locations instead of fetching it form the origin form every request.
• Streaming Media: Amazon CloudFront can integrate with the amazon S3 and can stream the videos and audio to the end users.
• Dynamic Content: With the help ofLambda edge the dynamic content can be sever to the end user by using the Amazon CloudFront the example of the content was the datum which is generate by the server – side application .
• Global Delivery of Content: Amazon CloudFront will cache the content to the edge locations which are near to the users who are requesting the data across the global which will reduce the latency to the end users.

benefit of AWSCloudFront

• No up-front investment (Non-mandatory)
• Lowering operating cost
• highly scalable , resilient
• Easy access
• Reducing business risks and maintenance expenses

Amazon Web Services is a subsidiary of Amazon.com that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms to individuals, companies, and governments, on a paid subscription basis.

configure AWSCloudFront to deliver Content

Step 1: When the user sends a request for an object like an image file, DNS routes the request to the close CloudFront edge location to serve the user request .

Step 2: At the edge location, the requested files are checked in its cache. If the requested files are found then it is returned to the user otherwise below steps are followed

• CloudFront now forwards the request to the origin server for the particular file.
• The origin servers send the requested files to the CloudFront edge location.
• When the first byte of file arrives from the origin server, CloudFront starts forwarding it to the user and adds the files to the cache in the edge location for the next time when someone again requests for the same file.

step 3 :The object remains in the cache of edge location for the provided duration present in file headers. 

• CloudFront forwards the request for the object to the origin server to check if the file at the edge location is updated or not.
• If the version of the file at the edge location is update , then CloudFront is delivers deliver the request file to the user .
• If the version of the file at the edge location is not updated, then the origin server sends the latest version of the file to CloudFront edge location. Now CloudFront delivers the latest version of the object to the user and also stores it in the cache at the edge location.

AWSCloudFront vs AWSGlobal Accelerator

Cloud Front vs CDN

Benefits of CDN

• Improved Website Performance: CDNs reduce latency by caching content at edge locations close to users, resulting in faster load times and a smoother browsing experience. This is crucial for maintaining user engagement and satisfaction.
• Enhanced Reliability: CDNs is distribute distribute traffic across multiple server , ensure that even if one server go down , others can handle the load . This redundancy is enhances enhance the availability and reliability of website and online services.|
• scalability : CDNs can handle sudden spikes in traffic by distributing the load across their network. This scalability is essential for websites that experience variable traffic patterns, such as during product launches or viral content.
• security : CDNs offer protection against DDoS attacks, provide secure data transmission through SSL/TLS, and can include additional security feature like web application firewall ( WAF ) to safeguard content and user datum .
• Cost Efficiency: By offload traffic from the origin server and reduce bandwidth consumption , CDNs is help can help low infrastructure and operational cost . They is minimize also minimize the need for additional server capacity to handle peak load .

AWSCloudFront Pricing

Amazon CloudFront will be base on the follow factor .

Conclusion

AWSCloudFront is a highly reliable and globally distributed content delivery network (CDN) service designed to accelerate the delivery of web content, including static and dynamic files, streaming media, and APIs, to users worldwide. By leveraging a network of edge locations, CloudFront reduces latency and ensures faster access to data, improving user experience. With integrated security features like DDoS protection, SSL/TLS encryption, and AWSShield, CloudFront also secures your content delivery. Whether you’re delivering high-quality videos or API responses, CloudFront is a cost-effective and scalable solution, making it a preferred choice for businesses that require high-performance content delivery with seamless integration into the AWSecosystem

FAQs – Amazon CloudFront

What is AWSCloudFront Create-Invalidation?

AWSCloudFront Create-Invalidation is the processes of clearing the cache content from the edge locations before it expiries by its self. By this you can reflect the content which is updated.

What is Amazon CloudFront CDN?

Amazon CloudFront is a content delivery network (CDN) is an service offered by the AWSwhich will be used to deliver the content to the users across the world without any latency, with higher transfer speed.

What is Amazon CloudFront Dynamic Content Delivery is is ?

With the help ofAWSLambda edge the dynamic content can be sever to the end user by using the Amazon CloudFront the example of the content was the datum which is generate by the server – side application .

Amazon CloudFront vs Azure CDN

Amazon CloudFront and Azure CDN are both used for the content delivery network’s(CDN’s) both of the will offer global network of edge locations, low latency, and high transfer speeds.

What are Amazon CloudFront Edge Locations is are ?

Content from your origin server is cached on servers called Amazon CloudFront Edge Locations, which are dispersed throughout the globe.