Akamai vs. Cloudflare CDN Networking
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) have become an important part of cloud networking, especially with the massive increase in internet traffic. They help to reduce latency, improve user experience, and protect against cyber attacks. Two of the leading CDN providers are Akamai and Cloudflare. In this post, we will provide a factual comparison of these two CDNs, with a touch of humor, and we'll let you decide which one to choose.
Network Size and Global Coverage
The primary function of a CDN is to provide a geographically distributed network of servers to serve content close to the end-user. Both Akamai and Cloudflare have a worldwide presence with thousands of servers in many countries around the world. Akamai claims to have over 300,000 servers deployed in more than 135 countries worldwide. In contrast, Cloudflare has 200 cities in over 100 countries, with colocation facilities and points of presence (PoPs) in each.
Winner: Akamai
Akamai has a significantly more extensive network than Cloudflare.
Speed
One of the main benefits of using a CDN is to speed up the delivery of content to end-users. Both Akamai and Cloudflare promise to provide lightning-fast page loading speeds, but how well do they deliver on this promise?
According to recent research from Catchpoint Systems, a performance measurement service provider, Cloudflare's median page load speed was 1.80 seconds, while Akamai's median page load speed was 2.19 seconds. Cloudflare's speeds were slightly faster because of their unique Argo Smart Routing technology, which optimizes traffic routing between PoPs.
Winner: Cloudflare
Cloudflare performs better on page load speed in most cases.
Security
Security is a critical aspect of any CDN solution as websites and applications face increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. Both Akamai and Cloudflare have advanced security features designed to mitigate risks and protect clients' websites and applications.
Akamai's security solutions include web application firewalls, DDoS protection, and bot management. Cloudflare, on the other hand, provides end-to-end encryption, application-level protection, and a web application firewall. Cloudflare's security solutions are easy to set up and manage, thanks to their user-friendly dashboard.
Winner: TIE
Both Akamai and Cloudflare offer advanced security features to protect clients' websites.
Pricing
Pricing is a crucial consideration when choosing a CDN provider. Akamai is the more expensive option of the two, with prices starting at around $5,000 per month. In contrast, Cloudflare is relatively affordable, with prices starting at $20 per month, making it an ideal choice for small to medium-sized businesses.
Winner: Cloudflare
Cloudflare provides a more affordable CDN option.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a CDN, the decision depends on your specific needs. Both Akamai and Cloudflare offer a wide range of features and capabilities, with advanced security solutions and worldwide coverage. While Akamai has a much larger network, Cloudflare provides faster speeds and is more affordable. Ultimately, Cloudflare is probably the better option for small to medium-sized businesses or websites, while Akamai is a better fit for large enterprises with heavy traffic needs. Regardless of your choice, your website and your audience will benefit from a CDN.
References
- "Catchpoint Systems: Cloud Performance Analysis." Catchpoint Systems, Inc., 22 May 2020, blog.catchpoint.com/2020/05/22/cloud-performance-analysis-q1-2020.