What is a cutting-edge CDN in 2024?

In 2024, CDNs are vital for fast, reliable global content delivery. They use distributed servers worldwide to cache and deliver content closer to users, minimizing latency. It can enhance load times, cuts bandwidth costs, and ensures content availability. So, how to make sure you are using a cutting-edge CDN?

• Highly efficient with top performance: Cutting-edge video CDNs in 2024 are designed to efficiently deliver high-definition, immersive content such as 4K video. The focus here is on minimizing the number of servers required to handle a target bitrate and number of concurrent users, thus reducing costs while maintaining high performance. These CDNs are designed to handle heavy traffic and peak usage periods, guaranteeing a superior viewing experience.
• Beyond-broadcast quality of experience (QoE): Advanced CDNs aim to offer a QoE that goes beyond traditional broadcast standards. This includes rapid start-up times, low latency, high bitrates, and continuity of service without rebuffering. Modern solutions are engineered to deliver a high-quality, uninterrupted streaming experience that keeps users engaged and satisfied.
• Deployable in various cloud environments: Modern video CDN solutions are built to be easily deployed in a variety of cloud environments, offering organizations the flexibility to scale their video streaming services as needed. Whether using public, private, or hybrid cloud configurations, these solutions ensure seamless integration and scalability. An example of this flexibility can be seen in Broadpeak’s cloud-native CDN solution, which can be deployed across multiple cloud platforms, allowing operators to easily scale their video delivery infrastructure based on demand and specific requirements. This capability enables operators to optimize their video streaming services in the cloud, ensuring efficient content delivery  for end-users.
• Flexibility with Open APIs: Open APIs are a crucial feature of cutting-edge CDNs, providing organizations with the flexibility to manage and customize their CDNs. This approach allows for easy integration with other systems, customization based on specific needs, and leveraging third-party applications to enhance the video streaming experience. The toolbox approach of open APIs ensures that CDNs can be adapted to meet varying business requirements effectively.to leverage third-party applications to enhance the video streaming experience for users.
• Observable/ Analytics: Cutting-edge CDNs need to provide real-time insights and analytics, allowing organizations to monitor performance, user engagement, and other key metrics. This observability enables businesses to make data-driven decisions to optimize their video streaming performance and ensure a seamless viewing experience for their audiences.
• Leveraging a CI/CD pipeline: By utilizing a continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) pipeline, CDNs in 2024 can quickly and efficiently roll out new features and updates. This agile development approach ensures that organizations remain competitive in a fast-paced digital landscape and can respond to changing customer demands in a timely manner.
• Secured by design: Security is a top priority for cutting-edge CDNs, with robust measures designed into the solution from the ground up. By implementing security best practices, encryption protocols, and access controls, these solutions protect against potential threats such as data breaches and cyber attacks, ensuring the safety and privacy of user data.
• Sustainable: In 2024, sustainability should play a vital role in the development of any video solution, becoming increasingly essential each year. Prioritizing sustainability in CDNs involves focusing on energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. By optimizing energy consumption and minimizing equipment requirements for streaming more content, your CDN can contribute to a more sustainable future
• Customer Support: Access to proactive customer support is crucial to troubleshoot issues promptly.