What is a CDN and why should I use one?
A content delivery network (CDN) is a system of servers designed to better serve websites and content globally. When a user attempts to load a page, CDNs will deliver content from the server that is closest to the user. This reduces latency and allows sites to load faster, resulting in a better user experience.
Here is an article with a practical explanation - https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/developers-practitioners/what-cloud-cdn-and-how-does-it-work
Does Website Pro use a CDN?
All sites powered by Website Pro utilize Google's Cloud CDN. As Google has server centers across the globe, Website Pro sites will function well regardless of the user’s physical location.
Benefits of Website Pro's CDN
- Brings consistently great web and video experiences to users anywhere
- Provides privacy and data security
- With edge caches peered with nearly every major end-user ISP globally, Google Cloud CDN offers connectivity to more users everywhere.
- Activate Website Pro with a single click
- Easy 1-click clear global cache when you need to push new site content fast to the CDN
- Optimized for last-mile performance resulting in improved site performance for mobile users and/or users in emerging markets.
Can I turn off the CDN?
If you wish to disable the CDN for your site, you can do so from the Website Pro Dashboard. Here, you’ll see a toggle titled Enable CDN. This is on by default, but clicking the option will turn off the CDN for your site.