Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN): Overview and Configuration Example

Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN) is a global service that accelerates content delivery for websites and applications by caching content at strategically placed locations around the world. It enhances the performance and responsiveness of web applications by reducing latency and delivering content from the nearest CDN edge location. Here's a detailed overview of Azure CDN along with a configuration example:

Features of Azure CDN:

1. Global Reach:

   • Extensive network of CDN edge locations worldwide for efficient content delivery.

2. Content Caching:

   • Caches static and dynamic content at CDN edge locations to reduce origin server load and improve content delivery times.

3. HTTP/HTTPS Support:

   • Supports both HTTP and HTTPS protocols for secure content delivery.

4. Dynamic Site Acceleration:

   • Accelerates the delivery of dynamic content by optimizing and caching it at the edge.

5. Origin Pull and Push:

   • Supports both origin pull (content is fetched from the origin server on-demand) and origin push (content is manually uploaded to CDN) configurations.

6. Custom Rules and Policies:

   • Allows customization of content delivery rules and policies based on specific requirements.

7. Security Features:

   • Provides security features such as DDoS protection, token authentication, and integration with Azure Web Application Firewall.

8. Analytics and Monitoring:

   • Offers analytics and monitoring tools to track CDN performance, usage, and user behavior.

Configuration Example:

Let's configure Azure CDN for a sample web application:

1. Login to Azure Portal:

   • Navigate to the Azure Portal.

2. Create an Azure CDN Profile:

   • Click on "Create a resource" and search for "Azure CDN Profile."
   • Click "Create" to start the Azure CDN Profile creation wizard.

3. Configure CDN Profile Settings:

   • Specify details such as subscription, resource group, profile name, and pricing tier.
   • Choose the CDN endpoint type (e.g., Standard Microsoft or Standard Verizon).

4. Configure CDN Endpoint:

   • Create a new CDN endpoint within the CDN profile.
   • Specify details such as origin type (e.g., Storage, Web App, or Custom Origin), origin hostname, and protocol.

5. Customize Content Delivery Rules:

   • Set up custom rules for content delivery, such as cache expiration policies, query string handling, and compression settings.

6. Secure Content Delivery (Optional):

   • If security is a concern, configure HTTPS delivery and enable features like token authentication or Azure Web Application Firewall.

7. Monitor CDN Performance:

   • Use built-in monitoring tools in the Azure Portal to monitor CDN performance, usage, and analytics.

8. Integrate with Web Applications:

   • Update the DNS settings of your web application to point to the Azure CDN endpoint.

9. Test Content Delivery:

   • Access your web application and observe the improved content delivery performance.

10. Scale Resources (Optional):

    • Depending on your application's needs, scale resources by adjusting the CDN pricing tier or adding additional CDN endpoints.

11. Review Analytics and Usage:

    • Regularly review CDN analytics and usage reports to optimize content delivery and adjust configurations as needed.

12. Clean Up Resources:

    • Once done, clean up resources by deleting the Azure CDN profile or specific resources as needed.