Overview
CloudFront is a globally distributed content delivery network (CDN) from Amazon Web Services (AWS) that accelerates delivery of websites, APIs, and large-scale media while adding security and scalability. It routes traffic through hundreds of edge locations around the world, improving load times and reducing origin-server load. Because it integrates with other AWS services, it’s especially suitable for businesses already using AWS infrastructure.
Key Features
Global CDN & Edge Network: Operates with 700+ points of presence (PoPs) globally to serve content close to the end user.
High Performance for Dynamic & Static Content: Supports caching static files and accelerating dynamic content and APIs via optimized routing.
Security & DDoS Protection: Built in security mechanisms including SSL/TLS, integration with AWS Shield and WAF for DDoS & application layer threat mitigation.
Edge Compute & Customisation: Allows custom code at the edge through CloudFront Functions or Lambda@Edge, enabling content manipulation, header changes, personalization, A/B testing.
AWS Ecosystem Integration: Free data transfer in from AWS origins (S3, ALB, API Gateway) and seamless setup with other AWS services making it efficient for AWS-based architectures.
These features make CloudFront especially beneficial if your infrastructure already runs on AWS.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go model: You are charged for data transfer out to viewers (varies by region) and HTTP/HTTPS requests. Example rates: $0.0075 per 10,000 HTTP requests in U.S./Canada, more in other regions.
Flat-rate Pricing Plans (optional): AWS offers flat-rate plans (Free, Pro, Business, Premium) starting at $0/month, $15/month, $200/month, $1,000/month respectively, offering predictable pricing with included usage allowances.
Free tier & origin data benefit: If you use AWS origins (S3, API Gateway, ALB), data transfer into CloudFront from those is free — only outbound to viewers is charged.
Best suited for websites and apps already hosted on AWS, as integration can significantly reduce bandwidth costs.
Use Cases
Global Web & Mobile Apps: Serve content quickly around the world while keeping hosting origin load low.
API & Dynamic Content Delivery: Accelerate APIs and dynamic web services by using edge caching and compute.
Media & Live Streaming: Distribute video, software updates, patches or large files at scale with high reliability.
AWS-based Architectures: Ideal for teams using AWS origins and services wanting tight integration and simplified data flow.
Security-Conscious Sites: Sites needing built-in DDoS protection, SSL offloading, and edge security while delivering at scale.
Website: https://aws.amazon.com/cloudfront/