Azure has its Content Delivery Network (CDN), which allows organizations to adapt and deliver high-speed content globally. Azure CDN can be hosted within Azure or at any other location. Azure CDN allows you to cache static objects loaded from a web app or Azure blob storage using the nearest Point of Presence. You can also cache static objects from any publicly accessible web server.
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Azure CDN can also be used for dynamic content. It provides a global solution that allows developers to quickly deliver high-bandwidth content directly to users on their request. It provides a better user experience through reducing latency and loading times. Azure CDN is essential for applications that require multiple round trips to speed things up.
This article will provide you with detailed information about Azure CDN. It includes all its operational attributes and service efficacy. Continue reading to learn how to implement Azure Content Delivery Network.
The Azure Content Delivery Network is in operation
Before you start to follow the steps to implement Azure CDN, and other crucial information, it is important to understand the process. Azure CDN’s basic function is to distribute user requests and serve the content directly from the edge servers to end-users. This reduces the traffic to the origin server, which lowers the latency and optimizes the loading speed for the end-user.
When a user requests a file, or asset using an URL, the Azure CDN begins to work. For submitting their request, they use a specific domain name. This can be a custom domain, or an endpoint hostname. The DNS then directs the request to the closest POP location. It automatically selects the closest POP to the user’s geographic location.
If the files are in the edge server’s cache, the POP will instantly draw them and process the request. If the edge servers in the POP don’t have the files in their cache, the POP will request the file from the origin server. The origin server to whom the POP requests the file can be either Azure Cloud Service, Azure Web App or Azure Storage Account. A web server with public access can also be the origin.
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The origin server processes the POP’s request and transfers the file to the edge server within POP. The role of the edge server now is to cache the file, and then return it back to the user who requested it. It stores the file in the POP so that it is available for any other users who request it. However, the file cannot be kept in the cache for longer than is necessary. It will remain within the cache until TTL (time to live), which is the expiry date for the file as specified in the HTTP headers.
If the origin server does not specify a TTL for files that are processed to POP, the default TTL will be 7 days. The TTL can be extended until the POP does not expire. In this case, the POP can process the request for that file directly from the cache without having to ask the origin server again. For faster access, other users can use the same URL to redirect themselves to the POP where the file is cached.
Requirements Essential for Using Azure CDN
These are the requirements you must meet to be eligible to use Azure CDN.
Azure subscriptions must be active
Create your CDN profile. This will contain the CDN endpoints. Each endpoint is intended to represent the specific configuration and behavior of content delivery.
To organize endpoints using web applications, internet domains and other criteria, you must create multiple profiles.
The CDN profile levels will determine the pricing of Azure CDN. You will need multiple CDN profiles to be able to use the mix of pricing tiers.
Steps to create an Azure CDN profile & endpoint
Once you have understood and met the requirements to enable Azure CDN, these are the steps you need to take to create your profile.
Creating Azure CDN Profile
Sign in to the Azure Portal from your Azure Account. Log on to this link and enter your credentials in order to access the portal.
CDN profile is the container for all CDN endpoints. It is therefore very important to create it.