CDN Service
Content Delivery Network, in short, called as CDN. In CDN system, servers get installed in different data centers throughout the internet. In simple words, CDN service depends on multiple data centers. It gives reach to your client via the nearest node. CDN service increases the speed of the website in a great way.
Cloud Hosting
On the other hand, synchronized communication system connects many numbers of servers and forms the basis of cloud hosting. Multiple servers support website data and hence any single server goes down might not affect your site connectivity.
Connection between Cloud and CDN regarding their performance
CDN service delivers static contents for your web from the nearest node. CDN opted only for storage and not for web services. Upon receiving a web request, CDN will communicate with the database and the source server. You can access files from the nearest network. Hence website performances solely rely on the web server at the source.
But, the scalability feature of Cloud hosting enables you to add or delete resources on the move. The performance of the cloud gets number one ranking as many types of the equipment support the functioning. Easy to troubleshoot any problem. Users have complete control over usage data. Pay by use option helps you to plan accordingly.
CDN service does not decide on the performance. Cloud performance directly depends on its hosting services.
Which is reliable, CDN or Cloud?
Conventional shared hosting sites prefer CDN Service. Whenever shared server goes down, you suffer losses too. Ask me how? The availability of shared server resource for hosting remains restricted, and many sites get hosted using the same space. You cannot rely on CDN for hosting video or audio files on the server.
Regarding reliability, Cloud hosting comes to the top. Cloud hosting service providers hold complete access to both networking and hardware. They build up services in real time. Again the scalability feature of cloud crafts the whole thing achievable. Rely on cloud hosting services even while using heavy traffic web applications.
Cost
Now coming to the cost factor, let me tell you the reality.
CDN service offers inexpensive services. Even Cloudfare gives you a free service. But, the technology used does not cost more for the CDN service providers to charge you more.
Unlike, Cloud hosting services provides you a stand-alone solution for all your web hosting needs. I am sure you will not deny agreeing the fact that it cost more for its features. Still, pay and use feature helps you to pay for your usage. You can track your usage and pay. Transparent service.
My thoughts and your decision
OK, you have got a hold of CDN and cloud hosting. It gives a clear picture that the cloud stands better than CDN for an advanced solution but the cost.
If you have huge traffic in your web applications, then choose the cloud wisely. To provide the best service from multiple locations for your simple website go with CDN.
One more option has emerged with the advancement in technology. Wondering what? Yes, several cloud hosting services get connected to multiple data centers through CDN.
CDN Vs Common Hosting
In this section let me compare standard website hosting services with CDN and help you further.
Web hosting contributes to host your website on a server. It allows clients to access the same on the internet. CDN speeds up the access to the resources on your site.
Conventional web hosting delivers the complete content to the user. But when the content spreads across the globe, the user must wait for the data retrieval from the web server. It takes time, based on the location of the web server. But, CDN retrieves your content from anywhere in the world through their local servers and deliver quickly.
A single server used on regular web hosting services. CDN means servers present globally and delivers your content from different host servers.
Summing up, standard hosting has become outmoded due to the increase in internet traffic. CDN Services offers quick and prompt content delivery.
Cloud Vs Common Web Hosting
I am sure by now you got some idea. Let me pen down my last piece of thought stating the difference between the cloud and general hosting services.
Traditional Hosting
Conventional hosting appears in two different forms, shared and dedicated. The concept behind dedicated hosting revolves around this way; the client makes payment for the entire resource and buys the server/s from the service provider. The client manages a devoted storage space with CPU and RAM. The client gets the authority to control the server storage.
Shared hosting, as the name implies the customer pays for storage space for a single server. Other websites may share that server. Shared hosting seems to reduce the financial burden on the client.
Needless to convey the drawback including spikes in traffic, performance issues due to shared servers, security breaches, etc. When the dependency goes on a single server, simple issues might put the server down across sites.
Cloud Hosting
The load gets balanced across a group of different servers in cloud hosting. The data gets mapped across servers and hence even if one server goes down the functioning of the site remains the same and not gets affected as the other server provides the data. Cloud hosting stands tall due to its elasticity and resilience.
Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), offered as a package by the cloud hosting service providers. They take care of the entire maintenance task. Just pay for the resource you utilize.
No need to spend on the infrastructure. The client just needs to pay for the resource they consume. Cloud hosting scalability surpasses all other hosting services.
If you look at traffic, cost, technology, services and infrastructure just go for cloud hosting. Cost may not be as good as the regular hosting but worth the advancement. The pay for use feature still keeps an account of your cost.
But, if you know your site’s traffic, looking for convenience, and very particular about price, then select shared hosting. You can always purchase an additional server for storage space.
Trust I made it clear, between common hosting, cloud, and CDN. Decide on your requirement and select the best one that suits your need.
Hari S N