What does the acronym CDN stand for in content delivery?

The acronym CDN stands for Content Delivery Network. This term refers to a system of distributed servers that work together to deliver web content efficiently to users based on their geographic location. The primary purpose of a CDN is to improve the speed and performance of delivering web content, such as images, videos, and other types of assets, to users around the world. By caching content at numerous locations (often referred to as nodes or edge servers), a CDN can reduce latency, alleviate bandwidth strain on the origin server, and provide a better overall user experience.

While the term "Content Distribution Network" might seem similar and is occasionally used interchangeably, the more widely accepted and recognized term in the industry is indeed "Content Delivery Network." This distinction is crucial for understanding the specific functions and purposes associated with the technology in modern web architecture. The other options, such as "Common Data Network" and "Connection Delivery Network," do not accurately reflect the established terminology used in the field of content delivery and web performance.