What Is Multi-CDN and How Does It Work as a Service

Multi-CDN refers to using multiple content delivery network (CDN) providers to enhance the delivery of digital content. This approach helps businesses avoid relying on a single CDN, improving reliability and speed. By CDN integrating, companies can leverage the strengths of different providers based on their geographical reach, technical capabilities, and pricing.

The service works by routing user requests through the most suitable CDN, ensuring optimal performance and reducing latency. This setup not only improves load times but also increases redundancy; if one CDN experiences issues, traffic can seamlessly shift to another provider. 

By using multiple CDN providers, businesses can optimize content delivery to meet varying user demands, ensuring a smooth experience across different platforms and devices. Overall, integrating multiple CDN providers and a multi-CDN strategy enhances both reliability and user satisfaction.

Today, we’ll give you the rundown on what is multi-CDN, how it works, and how exactly a multi-CDN approach improves live streaming and video on demand. Then we’ll explain how to implement a multi-CDN strategy, and lastly, we’ll wrap up by sharing a simpler, alternate route to leverage the benefits of a multi-CDN setup.

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

• What is Multi-CDN and How Does It Work?
• Reasons to Implement Multi-CDN Strategy For Your Website?
• Industry Case studies
• How to Implement Multi-CDN in 3 Steps
• Easy Way to Leverage Multi-CDN Solution
• Load Balancing Strategies
• Challenges of Using Multi-CDN
• Multi-CDN and Security Features
• Comparing 10 top Multi-CDN Providers
• Emerging Trends and Future Outlook
• Multi-CDN Provider and Cost Optimization Tips
• Multi-CDN Implementation Best Practices
• Conclusion

What is Multi-CDN and How Does It Work?

Before we share what is multi-CDN, let’s do a quick refresher on what a CDN is. A CDN is basically a network of geographically distributed servers around the world. The goal of CDNs are to speed up the delivery of videos or web content to end-users for a better user experience.

Although CDNs in the market are powerful, there’s not a single CDN capable of guaranteeing 100% uptime. No CDN provider can also truthfully say they provide the best coverage to every single city in the world. Here is where the value of multi-CDNs come in.

Multiple CDNs are a way to combine the strengths of different CDN vendors, while minimizing the weaknesses of each. A single CDN provider, for example, might have great coverage in Asia, while another CDN vendor might have great coverage all over the USA and Europe. When you use a multi-CDN service, you can route traffic to different CDNs in a way that makes the most sense when it comes to performance and availability.

Ultimately, the benefit of using multiple CDN providers in the context of videos is to give your viewers globally the best possible viewing experience.

Reasons to Implement Multi-CDN Strategy For Your Website?

A multi-CDN solution is ideal if reaching a large global audience through your website and video content is important for you. If a video on your site starts to go viral, but something happens to your CDN, this could lead to many negative repercussions.

This can result in your viewers experiencing major buffering and lagging issues and, worse, not being able to access your video at all. The effect of one negative event due to a server crash or CDN going down can have a domino effect on your business, revenue, and brand reputation.

A CDN outage can happen with even the top content delivery networks. For example, Cloudflare, a very popular CDN, has previously  gone down for about 25 minutes.

Pros and Cons to Using a Multi-CDN

The pros generally outweigh the cons of using a multi-CDN if reaching an audience at a global scale is important for you. However, it is important to note that introducing more content delivery networks to your workflow will increase the complexity of management. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using a multi-CDN.

Pros:

• Avoid a single point of failure: Using multiple content delivery networks can ensure 100% availability. In the case of a content delivery network outage, the current CDN can be replaced with another CDN.
• Performance benefits: Multiple CDNs mean more servers and reduced latency. Lower latency and faster loading times mean less lagging and buffering.  The result is a higher-quality broadcast for both live streaming and video on demand. You can get away with high latency when a few seconds don’t make much of a difference, like when downloading a book, but these few seconds make a huge difference when live streaming.
• Enhanced security: A common type of cyber attack is called DDoS, where basically bad actors try to overload a server or network to cause it to fail. Think of a traffic jam. In a setup with multiple CDN providers, if the servers from one CDN gets attacked, traffic can just be rerouted and “fall over” to the servers of another CDN.
• Lower bandwidth costs: Different CDN providers offer cheaper rates in certain regions. When setting up a multi-CDN strategy, you can route to the cheaper option.
• Scalability: With multiple CDNs, you can better handle traffic spikes or virality. By using a multi CDN service, there are more servers to distribute the load and to handle requests, so the chance that any one server will be overloaded and fail is practically nonexistent.
• Reach remote areas: Generally, the closer a user is to a server, the lower the latency. Although data moves very fast today, it can’t travel faster than the speed of light. For that reason, distance will likely always play a role in video performance. Having strategic multiple CDN providers gives you more distributed edge servers, making it possible to deliver high-quality video experiences to more remote areas.

Cons:

• Need to pay extra attention to configurations: You need to ensure configurations are the same across all CDN providers. For example, in reference to simple multi-CDN load balancing, you want to make sure that if you blacklist European traffic on one CDN, you also blacklist it on others.
• Measuring performance may take longer: With multi CDN providers comes multiple capture logs to sort through to measure performance.
• Integration and training costs: Unless you have the technical knowledge to integrate a multi CDN strategy, you may have to hire experts or invest in a multi-CDN service solution that can help you manage multiple CDNs.
• More strategic thinking required: Choosing how to allocate specific workloads and determining which content delivery network will serve which user or session based on whichever rules requires some technical know-how.

If one content delivery system conveying your stream goes down, another content delivery system will automatically step up in its place, ensuring streaming outages are a thing of the past.

Want to experiment with Multi-CDN for your next live streams? Try Dacast for 14 days and activate the Multi-CDN option. You will only pay for the option if you actually use it.

Industry Case Studies

Industry case studies illustrate the effectiveness of using multiple CDNs to enhance reliability and performance. Companies like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video use multi-CDN switching to manage high-traffic demands during peak times, ensuring that users experience smooth streaming without interruptions. By taking advantage of a diverse content delivery network architecture, these companies can distribute traffic across various CDNs, reducing the risk of bottlenecks and improving load times.

For instance, a major online retailer faced challenges during holiday sales events, with traffic spikes overwhelming their single CDN provider. By adopting a CDN network architecture that included multiple CDNs, they successfully balanced the load and provided seamless service to customers worldwide.

This strategy not only enhances performance but also improves resilience and redundancy. If one CDN experiences an outage, traffic can be rerouted to another provider without impacting the user experience. 

Ultimately, the use of multiple CDNs enables companies to maintain high availability and performance, ensuring that their services remain accessible and reliable for users across the globe.

How to Implement Multi-CDN in 3 Steps

Implementing a multi-CDN strategy can enhance performance, but it also comes with challenges. One best practice is using DNS-based load balancing with services like Amazon Route 53, which helps route user requests to the optimal CDN based on latency and availability.

This method improves reliability and speed. Additionally, orchestration tools can streamline the management of different CDN network solutions, ensuring consistent configurations across all providers. This is vital for maintaining a seamless user experience. However, managing configurations and monitoring performance can be complex. It’s important to regularly review and optimize settings for each CDN. By understanding what is a multi CDN and how to leverage effective content delivery network solutions, businesses can overcome challenges and maximize their content delivery efficiency.

Now that you know the benefits of using a Multi-CDN let’s quickly explain the steps to implement a multi-CDN setup.

1) Select the Right CDN Partners

The right CDN provider will differ depending on your needs. We’ll guide you on different factors to consider in your search.

The first thing to consider is to make sure the CDN provider you choose specializes in video. Some CDN providers don’t support live streaming at all.

It’s also common for CDN providers to specialize in certain locations. In general, CDN performance is higher in major cities in the US and Europe because the concentration of edge servers in these areas tend to be high. That’s why if streaming to certain parts, especially live streaming to China, you need to be very strategic on who you choose.

Another factor to consider is the number of servers. Many live streaming CDN solutions don’t have a huge distribution of edge servers. Akamai CDN is popular for those looking for a live streaming CDN for this reason.

2) Choose a DNS Provider or Multi-CDN Management Solution

A multi-CDN DNS provider or multi-CDN management solution can make managing multiple CDNs easier. For example, these solutions can help with configuration, engineering support, and integration support. Different solutions can also help with routing network traffic in the most efficient way possible using data and smart algorithms.

3) Choose an Approach to Route Traffic

When working with a DNS provider that doesn’t use advanced methods to route traffic, you’ll need to consider a few ways to distribute the load of traffic to deliver the best possible experience to your viewers. Here are common approaches:

• Static DNS: Simple approach, but may require a manual, time-consuming effort if a CDN fails. Doesn’t consider cost or performance variables.
• Managed DNS: Similar to static approach, but automates the manual aspect.
• Weighted Round Robin: A multi-CDN load balancing approach where you can designate how often each of your CDNs receives traffic. (e.g., CDN A: 60% of traffic, CDN B-40%)
• Geo-location: Choose which CDN gets traffic from specific countries or states. You can even get as granular as which province.
• Variable-Driven: Most complex approach, but takes into account many factors when deciding which CDN to route requests to.

Easy Way to Leverage Multi-CDN Solution

Shopping for CDNs requires a lot of due diligence. An alternative to setting up and working with a multi-CDN architecture is to use an online video platform, like Dacast, and take advantage of their existing partnerships with top CDNs.

For example, here at Dacast, we offer a multi-CDN solution for a straightforward flat fee of $49 per hour. Easily activate multi-CDNs for your most important streams and eliminate the risk of missed opportunities. We have an existing partnership with Limelight so that video streamers don’t have to spend so much time on the technical stuff. By taking this route, you’ll also no longer need to worry about having to negotiate prices with multiple CDN providers.

Load Balancing Strategies

Load balancing is essential in multi-CDN setups, as it determines how requests are distributed among different CDN providers. Here are some common load-balancing strategies:

1. Round-Robin: This strategy distributes requests evenly across all available CDNs in a sequential manner. It’s simple and effective for balancing loads but may not account for differences in performance. It’s best suited for scenarios with similar traffic patterns, optimizing costs while ensuring even usage across CDN network solutions.

2. Weighted Round-Robin: Similar to round-robin, this method assigns a weight to each CDN based on its capacity or performance. Higher-performing CDNs receive more requests. This strategy is great for optimizing performance and ensuring resources are used efficiently.

3. Geolocation: This strategy directs user requests to the nearest CDN node based on their geographic location. It reduces latency significantly and improves load times, making it ideal for global audiences.

4. Variable-Driven Load Balancing: This approach uses real-time data and performance metrics (like latency and load) to route requests dynamically. It’s particularly effective for optimizing performance and cost in variable traffic situations.

These strategies help ensure efficient CDN monitoring and provide a reliable multi-content delivery network hub for businesses, enhancing user experience and reducing latency. Understanding how does a CDN work is crucial for selecting the right load-balancing strategy.

Challenges of Using Multi-CDN

While using a multi-CDN approach offers many benefits, it also presents several challenges that businesses must navigate. One of the main difficulties is the potential for configuration errors. With multiple CDN providers, ensuring that each is correctly set up to work together can be complex. A small mistake in settings can lead to content delivery issues, negatively impacting user experience.

Operational difficulties often arise as well. Managing different content delivery network architectures can complicate workflow processes, requiring teams to stay updated on each provider’s capabilities and limitations. This can lead to confusion and miscommunication within teams.

Troubleshooting issues can become more cumbersome with multiple CDNs. Identifying the source of a problem—whether it’s due to one provider or an interaction between them—can take extra time and effort.

To maintain performance and cost efficiency, organizations need reliable CDN monitoring tools. These CDN tools help track performance metrics and usage costs across different providers. Without effective monitoring, it’s easy to lose track of how multi CDN pricing affects overall budget and performance, leading to unexpected expenses and inefficiencies.

Multi-CDN and Security Features

A multi-CDN setup enhances security by distributing traffic across multiple networks, reducing the risk of attacks and downtime. With diverse providers, organizations can take advantage of various security features tailored to their needs. For instance, many CDNs offer Web Application Firewalls (WAF), which help protect against threats like SQL injection and cross-site scripting by filtering harmful traffic.

Another essential feature is Transport Layer Security (TLS), which encrypts data between users and servers, safeguarding sensitive information during transit. However, implementing a multi-CDN strategy can introduce complexities. Each CDN may have different security protocols and settings, making configuration management more challenging. 

While WAFs provide significant protection against security breaches, they require careful configuration to avoid disruptions. Balancing the security benefits and challenges of a multi-CDN setup is crucial for organizations aiming to enhance their content delivery while maintaining robust security.

Comparing 10 top Multi-CDN Providers

Implementing a multiCDN strategy is crucial for businesses needing reliable, fast content delivery across the globe. Using multiple CDN solutions helps mitigate outages, optimize delivery, and provide robust performance for different regions. 

Here’s a comparison of 10 top multi CDN providers, each with unique features and strengths.

1. Cloudflare

Cloudflare is known for its vast global network and robust security features, making it popular for multi-CDN solutions. It optimizes speed and reliability and is strong in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

Pricing: Offers a free plan; business plans start at $25/month.

2. Akamai

Akamai boasts one of the largest multi-cdn architecture, providing high availability and performance across North America, Europe, and Asia. It offers in-depth analytics and seamless multi cdn switching for consistent content delivery.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on traffic and usage.

3. Fastly

Fastly is known for low latency and real-time analytics, ideal for high-traffic applications. Its edge cloud platform offers flexible configurations, and it’s brilliant in North America and Europe.

Pricing: Pay-as-you-go starting at $0.12/GB, with enterprise plans available.

4. StackPath

StackPath delivers on performance and security, with a strong presence in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It’s popular for multi platform content delivery and provides instant configuration changes.

Pricing: Starts at $10/month for standard CDN services.

5. KeyCDN

KeyCDN is a cost-effective provider with a strong focus on performance and an intuitive interface. It serves well in North America, Europe, and emerging markets like South America.

Pricing: Pay-as-you-go model, starting at $0.04/GB with no monthly minimums.

6. Limelight Networks

Limelight Networks has a reputation for delivering high-quality streaming content with low latency. Its optimized network routes are strong in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on bandwidth and service requirements.

7. Amazon CloudFront

As part of AWS, Amazon CloudFront integrates easily with other AWS services and offers a global reach with high availability. It’s popular in North America and Asia-Pacific for multi cdn dns and multi cdn switching.

Pricing: Pay-as-you-go starting at $0.085/GB.

8. CDNetworks

CDNetworks provides excellent reach in Asia and is well-suited for businesses targeting that region. Known for secure, low-latency delivery, it’s a great choice for a multi-content delivery network solution.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on bandwidth needs.

9. G-Core Labs

G-Core Labs offers global coverage with a strong focus on the gaming and media industries. Its advanced caching and low-latency streaming are ideal for Europe and the CIS region.

Pricing: Starts at $0.02/GB for CDN services.

10. Verizon Media (Edgecast)

Verizon Media CDN focuses on video streaming and multi-cdn architecture for content-heavy applications. It’s strong in North America and Europe, providing reliable delivery for broadcasters.

Pricing: Custom pricing based on use case and bandwidth.

Using a multi-CDN approach with these providers ensures resilient content delivery. By leveraging a multi cdn strategy and mixing providers based on regional strengths, companies can deliver optimized performance and redundancy across global markets.

Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

The future of multi-CDN strategies looks promising, driven by advancements in edge computing, the rollout of 5G, and the evolution of cloud-based infrastructure. 

As edge computing brings processing power closer to users, it reduces latency and enhances the speed of content delivery. This trend enables multi-CDN solutions to leverage geographically distributed nodes, improving performance even more.

The impact of 5G technology cannot be understated. Its high speeds and low latency create new opportunities for real-time streaming and interactive applications. This encourages businesses to adopt multi-CDN architectures that can efficiently handle increased traffic and data demands.

Also, cloud-based infrastructure will continue to shape content delivery, providing scalability and flexibility. As companies embrace these technologies, they can expect a more reliable and efficient multi-cdn strategy that meets the growing needs of users, ensuring an enhanced experience across various platforms and devices.

Multi-CDN Provider and Cost Optimization Tips

When selecting the right multi-CDN providers, consider your specific needs carefully. Start with geographic coverage and ensure the provider has a strong presence in the regions where your audience is located. This will improve loading times and user experience. Next, evaluate cost considerations. Compare pricing models to find a provider that fits your budget while offering essential features.

Technical capabilities are also crucial—look for features like security, analytics, and support for video streaming. To make the selection process easier, consider using CDN comparison calculators. These tools help you analyze performance, pricing, and features side by side, ensuring you choose the most cost-effective solution for your needs. 

By focusing on these factors, you can effectively implement a multi-CDN strategy that meets your business objectives.

Multi-CDN Implementation Best Practices

Multi-CDN (Content Delivery Network) strategies improve content delivery speed, reliability, and global reach. To make the most of a multi-CDN setup, we recommend these best practices:

Understand Your Needs: Assess your target regions, expected traffic, and content type (e.g., streaming, static) to choose CDNs that suit your goals.

Select Compatible CDNs: Choose providers with complementary strengths and compatible technologies to help avoid integration issues.

Set Up Smart Load Balancing: Use load-balancing tools to distribute traffic based on performance, availability, and user location.

Monitor Real-Time Performance: Watch each CDN’s performance with real-time monitoring tools to help you quickly detect and address any issues.

Have a Backup Plan: Keep a backup CDN ready in case of outages or unexpected traffic surges.

Optimize Costs: Track usage and costs across providers, adjusting configurations for cost efficiency without sacrificing performance.

Implementing these best practices helps ensure smoother, faster content delivery.

Conclusion

A multi-CDN solution improves live streaming and video on demand by enhancing the experience for your viewers around the world. More specifically, it reduces latency, improves availability, and gives you added security. Using a multi-CDN approach is a proven way to respond to the increase in the size of video files and the increasing popularity of video.

If you want a simpler way to access multi-CDN explicitly for video or streaming content, consider an online video hosting platform like Dacast and take advantage of their existing partnerships with multiple CDNs.

Experience the power of multi-CDNs for yourself with Dacast’s 14-day free trial.

Try Dacast with Multi-CDN

Do you plan to implement Multi-CDN for your business? We’d love to know in the comments below!