Enjoying our content? Subscribe:
CDN SECURITY CompARISON №2
Cloudflare CDN VS AWS CloudFront CDN
The content delivery networks don't only ensure fast website loading speed, but also enable advanced website security. However, with all this variety of CDNs, which one should you choose?
In this article, we are going to explore two major CDNs - Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront. Both are established CDNs with great functionality and numerous servers.
However, they are a bit different, so we are going to compare them from the cybersecurity perspective so you could make a well-informed decision.
In this article, we are going to explore two major CDNs - Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront. Both are established CDNs with great functionality and numerous servers.
However, they are a bit different, so we are going to compare them from the cybersecurity perspective so you could make a well-informed decision.
Which solution is better?
Deployment and setup
Cloudflare is a little bit easier to set up, even though you will have to change nameservers or go for the hosting provider that is compatible with this CDN. In case of any questions, you can also contact Cloudflare's support - they are very responsive via phone or mail. Their support is often listed as one of the major advantages above AWS CloudFront.
AWS CloudFront has a multi-step setup process with numerous settings changes and post-setup activities. It does give you more control over your CDN but requires more knowledge and time.
AWS CloudFront has a multi-step setup process with numerous settings changes and post-setup activities. It does give you more control over your CDN but requires more knowledge and time.
Scalability and flexibility
Both solutions are infinitely scalable - you only have to worry about whether you will be able to afford the scaling.
When it comes to flexibility, AWS CloudFront is probably a better choice since it has numerous options for tailoring the CDN to your needs.
When it comes to flexibility, AWS CloudFront is probably a better choice since it has numerous options for tailoring the CDN to your needs.
Features
As for the features, Cloudflare wins. It offers a wider range of services, for example, security (Free SSL certificate, DDoS Protection, Web Application Firewall) and image and mobile optimization. It means that you can have an all-in-one solution and avoid paying for other platforms.
AWS CloudFront is a more traditional CDN that offers only content delivery services. The reason behind it is easy: AWS CloudFront is usually used by companies that already use other AWS services and, therefore, have access to additional functionality from the AWS umbrella.
AWS CloudFront is a more traditional CDN that offers only content delivery services. The reason behind it is easy: AWS CloudFront is usually used by companies that already use other AWS services and, therefore, have access to additional functionality from the AWS umbrella.
Cloudflare and Akamai CDN: Key Differences
Pricing
Cloudflare has a free tier that covers a lot. You can have CDN and even security functionality like protection from DDoS attacks and free SSL certificates. If this is not enough, you can upgrade to Pro ($20 per month), Business ($200 per month), or Enterprise (custom).
AWS CloudFront offers a free trial for 12 months. Afterward, you will be charged for the service you use, not monthly. On the one hand, it is more reasonable if you have a small business and do not generate much traffic. On the other, it is more difficult to estimate the budget for the solution.
AWS CloudFront offers a free trial for 12 months. Afterward, you will be charged for the service you use, not monthly. On the one hand, it is more reasonable if you have a small business and do not generate much traffic. On the other, it is more difficult to estimate the budget for the solution.
Summary
Cloudflare is a great choice for those who need a solution with a free tier that is easy to set up and manage. Cloudflare also offers additional functionality like security and supports image optimization and SPDy protocol. It has a wider range of networks around the world as well. Small businesses will definitely enjoy this CDN.
AWS CloudFront makes more sense for companies that already use Amazon Web Services and those who need a fast delivery for live stream videos and static and dynamic web page content. It has less functionality than Cloudflare but combined with the AWS umbrella it actually offers more.
AWS CloudFront makes more sense for companies that already use Amazon Web Services and those who need a fast delivery for live stream videos and static and dynamic web page content. It has less functionality than Cloudflare but combined with the AWS umbrella it actually offers more.
Cyberlands.io Team