Google Cloud CDN vs cdnjs: What are the differences?

Introduction:

In this markdown document, we will discuss the key differences between Google Cloud CDN and cdnjs. Google Cloud CDN is a content delivery network offered by Google Cloud Platform, while cdnjs is a free public CDN that hosts various JavaScript and CSS libraries.

1. Scalability: Google Cloud CDN is designed to handle large-scale traffic and can dynamically scale to accommodate varying demand. It leverages Google's global infrastructure and extensive network of servers to ensure fast and reliable content delivery. On the other hand, cdnjs is a static CDN and may not have the same level of scalability as Google Cloud CDN.

2. Origin Options: Google Cloud CDN allows you to specify multiple origin locations, enabling you to optimize content delivery based on the proximity of the user. It also supports load balancing across multiple origins, providing redundancy and improved performance. In contrast, cdnjs primarily serves static files from a single origin without the ability to configure multiple origins or load balancing.

3. HTTPS Support: Google Cloud CDN supports HTTPS by default, allowing secure content delivery to end-users. It automatically manages SSL certificates and ensures a secure connection between the user and the CDN. cdnjs also supports HTTPS, but the responsibility of managing SSL certificates lies with the website owner using their service.

4. Caching and Cache Invalidation: Google Cloud CDN provides advanced caching capabilities, allowing you to specify cache lifetimes and cache content at different levels (CDN, edge server, or browser). It also supports cache invalidation, enabling immediate removal of cached content when modifications are made. cdnjs, being a public CDN, may have limited control over caching and cache invalidation capabilities.

5. Pricing Model: Google Cloud CDN follows a usage-based pricing model, where you are charged based on the amount of data transferred and requests made to the CDN. Pricing can vary based on the geographic location and peak traffic levels. cdnjs, on the other hand, operates on a free model and does not charge for CDN usage.

6. Additional Services: In addition to CDN, Google Cloud CDN integrates with other Google Cloud Platform services such as Cloud Storage, Load Balancing, and Kubernetes Engine. This seamless integration allows for a more comprehensive and unified infrastructure setup. On the contrary, cdnjs solely focuses on serving JavaScript and CSS libraries and does not offer other infrastructure-related services.

In Summary, Google Cloud CDN offers greater scalability, flexibility in origin options, built-in HTTPS support, advanced caching and cache invalidation capabilities, usage-based pricing model, and integration with other Google Cloud Platform services. On the other hand, cdnjs provides a free solution for serving JavaScript and CSS libraries but may have limitations in scalability and additional services.