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CDN SECURITY CompARISON №5
Akamai CDN VS AWS CloudFront CDN
A content delivery network (or CDN for short) has a lot of purposes like faster website loading and managing traffic spikes. Caching is yet another issue that CDN can help you with. CDNs have numerous servers around the world, they fetch content from the original server and then cache it to deliver it faster the next time. As a result, your original servers become less busy which improves the overall performance of your web project.
There are numerous CDNs out there. In fact, there are so many that you can lose yourself in all the features, pricing, and opportunities. Therefore, we made a series of blog entries comparing the major CDNs from a cybersecurity perspective to help you navigate the market.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Akamai and AWS Cloudfront in terms of setup, scalability, pricing, and security.
There are numerous CDNs out there. In fact, there are so many that you can lose yourself in all the features, pricing, and opportunities. Therefore, we made a series of blog entries comparing the major CDNs from a cybersecurity perspective to help you navigate the market.
In this article, we will explore the differences between Akamai and AWS Cloudfront in terms of setup, scalability, pricing, and security.
Which solution is better?
Deployment and setup
Both solutions take some time to set up. There are no two-step processes like in Cloudflare or Cloud CDN from Google.
AWS CloudFront is still a bit easier, just because there are a lot of videos, public documentation, articles, and a big community to help you with any struggles. You can also contact support via email or phone at extra costs.
There are almost no articles or videos about Akamai's setup process. They have a website with useful information but it is still difficult to navigate it, especially for users who have basic knowledge of CDNs. However, they have nice support that can help you via community, email, or phone.
AWS CloudFront is still a bit easier, just because there are a lot of videos, public documentation, articles, and a big community to help you with any struggles. You can also contact support via email or phone at extra costs.
There are almost no articles or videos about Akamai's setup process. They have a website with useful information but it is still difficult to navigate it, especially for users who have basic knowledge of CDNs. However, they have nice support that can help you via community, email, or phone.
Scalability and flexibility
Both solutions can scale as much as you want, you just have to make sure whether your budget allows it.
Akamai is the oldest CDN, with the most number of servers. The number of their networks exceeded 1700. It is a trusted solution that covers both the fastest delivery and the best security features.
AWS CloudFront has more than 225 points of presence, delivering the content pretty fast as well but it is slower than Akamai. Their security lags behind as well so it is better to use the security services of Amazon Web Services to enhance the protection.
The difference between server availability of both CDNs is insignificant and equals almost 100%.
Akamai is the oldest CDN, with the most number of servers. The number of their networks exceeded 1700. It is a trusted solution that covers both the fastest delivery and the best security features.
AWS CloudFront has more than 225 points of presence, delivering the content pretty fast as well but it is slower than Akamai. Their security lags behind as well so it is better to use the security services of Amazon Web Services to enhance the protection.
The difference between server availability of both CDNs is insignificant and equals almost 100%.
Features
Akamai has over a decade of experience in the video streaming industry, thus it offers a variety of additional features for optimizing the performance of live streaming projects.
AWS CloudFront is a traditional CDN without any extra features. It's usually used in a combination with other AWS products that offer additional functions. So AWS CloudFront focuses solely on content delivery.
AWS CloudFront is a traditional CDN without any extra features. It's usually used in a combination with other AWS products that offer additional functions. So AWS CloudFront focuses solely on content delivery.
Cloudflare and Akamai CDN: Key Differences
Pricing
Both AWS CloudFront and Akamai do not have plans - you pay for the services as you go.
AWS CloudFront has public pricing for its services and a calculator to help you estimate the budget. They also offer a free trial for 12 months and custom sales based on your commitment.
Akamai's pricing is not public and is agreed upon during the meeting with the sales representative. They do not have a free trial but they do offer sales based on your traffic, length of the contract, etc. Akamai is known to have above average prices on the CDN market.
AWS CloudFront has public pricing for its services and a calculator to help you estimate the budget. They also offer a free trial for 12 months and custom sales based on your commitment.
Akamai's pricing is not public and is agreed upon during the meeting with the sales representative. They do not have a free trial but they do offer sales based on your traffic, length of the contract, etc. Akamai is known to have above average prices on the CDN market.
Summary
AWS CloudFront and Akamai are both good solutions with lots of benefits, however, they serve the needs of different types of businesses.
AWS CloudFront will work better for small and mid-sized businesses, especially those that already use Amazon Web Services. Their free trial is also a good touch for those who can't risk buying an unfitting CDN and want to test before making any sufficient investments.
Akamai might be the best solution for enterprises that have a lot of traffic and are ready to pay more for the fastest content delivery and top-notch security. It's also the right choice for live-streaming projects wanting to reduce latency.
AWS CloudFront will work better for small and mid-sized businesses, especially those that already use Amazon Web Services. Their free trial is also a good touch for those who can't risk buying an unfitting CDN and want to test before making any sufficient investments.
Akamai might be the best solution for enterprises that have a lot of traffic and are ready to pay more for the fastest content delivery and top-notch security. It's also the right choice for live-streaming projects wanting to reduce latency.
Cyberlands.io Team