What is The Difference Between Web Hosting and CDN?

When you browse the internet, you are interacting with the website’s domain and hosting services. But have you ever wondered how these websites actually get to your computer or phone?

Two important technologies from reputable web hosts in Australia make this possible: web hosting and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).

While they might sound similar, understanding the  difference between web hosting and CDN is important for making your online experience smooth and fast.

Key Differences: CDN vs Web Hosting

Aspect	Web Hosting	CDN (Content Delivery Network)
Purpose	Provides a home for your entire website.	Helps deliver your website’s content faster to users worldwide.
Storage	Stores all website files, databases and applications.	Stores copies of static content (images, CSS, JavaScript).
Location	Usually in one or a few central locations.	Distributed across many locations globally.
Speed	Depends on server location and user traffic.	Generally faster, especially for users far from the main server.
Functionality	Runs website’s backend code and manages databases.	Primarily handles delivery of static content.
Necessity	Essential for all websites.	Optional but beneficial for high-traffic or global sites.
Content Type	Handles both dynamic and static content.	Focuses on static content delivery.
Scalability	Limited by server resources.	Highly scalable across multiple servers.
Cost	Varies based on resources and features.	Often based on bandwidth usage.
Security	Responsible for overall website security.	Provides an additional layer of security against DDoS attacks.

 

What is Web Hosting?

Think of web hosting like renting an apartment for your website. When you create a website, all its files – the text, images, videos, and code – needs to be stored somewhere. This is where web hosting comes in.

A web hosting company provides servers (powerful computers) that store your website’s files and make them available to the users.

The hosting server forwards the required files to show your site on an individual’s screen when they input your website URL into their browser. It is like the server is mailing a package containing your entire website to each visitor.

What is CDN?

Now, imagine if your website became super popular and people from all over the world wanted to visit it. If all these visitors had to get their “website package” from one central location, it might take a long time, especially for people far away from your hosting server. At this point, CDN comes into picture.

A CDN is like having multiple distribution centres for your website’s content. Instead of everything coming from one place, a CDN stores copies of your website’s files on servers located all around the world. Your site loads quicker because visitors get files from the nearest CDN server.

CDN Vs Hosting: When Do You Need Each One?

Every website needs web hosting. It is essential for your site to exist on the internet. However, not every site needs a CDN right away. Here’s when you might consider each:

Web Hosting:

• You are just starting out with a new website.
• Your site mainly serves local visitors.
• You have a small to medium-sized website without a lot of traffic.

CDN:

• Your website has visitors from many different countries.
• Your site has many big photos, videos, and files.
• Your site experiences high levels of traffic.
• Speed is crucial for your website’s success (like for online stores).

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between web hosting and CDN is important for anyone interested in how the internet works.

While web hosting provides the essential foundation for your website to exist online, a CDN can enhance its performance by delivering content faster to users worldwide.