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Traditional CDNs, cache content at the edge and closure to end users and help to address issues related to latency, performance, availability, packet loss, redundancy, security. Cloudflare Argon delivers content across networks with improved reliability, security and reduced latency.
Delivery of content across the public network ‘Internet’ is inheritably unreliable as these networks are connected with different mediums such as fiber optics, microwaves and copper wire. The routing decisions need to be taken in a more efficient manner to ensure error free delivery.
Routing analysis and optimization is important here to ensure content is delivered without any glitches without latency and improved reliability. The efficient routing ensures avoidance of packet loss, outages and congestion.
In today’s article we will understand the difference between Cloudflare Argo and traditional CDN, its key characteristics and how they work?
What is Cloudflare Argo
Cloudflare Argo provides smart routing services to improve application and website performance by finding optimal paths in Cloudflare networks. Improved reliability, reduced latency and reduced costs are some of the key characteristics of Cloudflare Argo. It is being observed that Cloudflare Argo reduces latency and connection errors by 30%. Navigating traffic across shortest available paths using a smart algorithm over 300 server locations of Cloudflare global network.
Related: Difference between CDN and multi-CDN
What is the Traditional CDN
Traditional CDNs or ‘Pull’ CDN are geographically distributed servers to cache contents from originating servers to provide content delivery at a faster pace to end users. It caches static content such as videos, script, images and edge servers and content is delivered to the edge servers whenever users request it. When a user sends a content request CDN checks the availability of the nearest edge server. Since content is delivered by edge server cache it reduces significantly load on originating server saving costs and bandwidth.
Comparison: Cloudflare Argo vs Traditional CDN
| Features | Cloudflare Argo | Traditional CDN |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Cloudflare Argo is a dynamic smart routing service in real-time | Web content and application optimization is aim of traditional CDNs using caching technique |
| Type of content | Cloudflare Argo deals primarily with routing and content optimization is its subset | Traditional CDNs deal with static content such as images, videos, CSS etc. |
| Routing | Uses dynamic and smart routing to delivery content near to its user | Static is nature as it is geo location based |
| Performance | Optimized routing of content helps in reduction of latency and reduces operating costs (bandwidth), reduction in connection errors. | Optimized caching of content help in reduction of latency and reduces operating costs (bandwidth) etc. |
| Architecture | Focus is delivery route optimization even for non-cacheable content. | Content is made available near to end users requested it for via geographically distributed nodes. |
| Features | •Faster load times •Integrated security •Optimized routing •Improved reliability •Reduction in costs with optimized path selection | •Faster load times for applications and websites •Improved reliability •Improved performance •Reduction in costs |
| Routing | Uses smart routing and dynamically selects shortest and reliable paths across public network considering factors such as network congestion, connection errors and network latency. | Uses static routing and routes content to the nearest server (to the edge) which is near to the end user. The dynamic content is not handled much efficiently by traditional CDNs . |
| Enhanced security | Offers better security with dynamic routing of content to alternate path and avoiding compromised paths | Focus is more on securing self and the content it delivers with security measures such as DDoS protection, SSL/TLS encryption and access controls. |
Download the comparison table: Cloudflare Argo vs Traditional CDN
Related FAQs
Will Cloudflare Argo replace a traditional CDN?
No, Argo enhances Cloudflare’s CDN by adding smart routing capabilities; it does not replace the underlying CDN infrastructure
How does Argo Smart Routing improve performance over a traditional CDN?
Argo continuously monitors internet traffic conditions and routes requests through the fastest, least congested paths — often reducing latency and packet loss compared to static CDN routing.
Is Argo useful for dynamic content delivery?
Yes, Argo is especially beneficial for dynamic content as it optimizes TCP and HTTP connections in real time, whereas traditional CDNs mainly cache and optimize static content.
Is there an additional cost for using Cloudflare Argo over the CDN?
Yes, Argo is a paid add-on to Cloudflare’s CDN services and is billed based on data transferred through the Argo Smart Routing network.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
You can learn more about her on her linkedin profile – Rashmi Bhardwaj
