CompTIA Network+ Practice Test

What is the main benefit of using a CDN for content delivery?

1. Centralizes data storage

2. Distributes data geographically for faster access

3. Enhances data encryption

4. Reduces the need for servers

The correct answer is: Distributes data geographically for faster access

Using a Content Delivery Network (CDN) primarily benefits content delivery by distributing data geographically for faster access. CDNs consist of a network of servers located in various geographic locations, known as edge servers. When a user requests content, such as web pages, images, or videos, the CDN delivers this content from the nearest edge server. This proximity reduces latency and ensures that users experience faster load times, which is particularly crucial for high-traffic sites and services. Additionally, CDNs often employ caching techniques to store copies of content at various locations, further enhancing speed and reducing the load on the origin server. This geographic distribution not only improves performance but can also provide redundancy, ensuring content availability even in the event of server failures or traffic spikes. The other options do not capture the primary function of a CDN. Centralizing data storage focuses on consolidating data in one location, which contradicts the distribution aspect of a CDN. Enhancing data encryption is an important security measure but not a primary function of content delivery systems. Lastly, while CDNs can help optimize server usage, they do not necessarily reduce the overall need for servers but rather distribute the load across many servers to improve performance and reliability.