Blog | nearby computing

The Backbone of the Modern Internet

Every time you stream a film, watch a live football match on your mobile, or download an app in seconds, there is an invisible technology at work: the Content Delivery Network (CDN). For more than two decades, CDNs have been the hidden infrastructure that makes the internet faster and more reliable.

But what started as a system to deliver web pages and video has now become something much bigger. CDNs are evolving into Edge CDNs, combining storage with compute power, and even supporting AI inference at the edge. This evolution is reshaping not only how content is delivered, but also how applications and intelligence are deployed across the globe. 

What is a CDN and Why Does It Matter?

At its simplest, a CDN is a distributed network of servers that stores and delivers content closer to end users. Instead of retrieving a video from a central server located thousands of kilometres away, you get it from a local cache in your region.

This system solves three crucial problems:

R   Latency: the time it takes for data to travel from the server to the user.

R   Bandwidth costs: by storing popular content locally, providers reduce expensive long-haul traffic.

R   Reliability: if one server is overloaded or fails, another nearby can take over.

Global platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook depend on CDNs to ensure smooth delivery to millions of concurrent viewers. Without CDNs, the modern internet simply wouldn’t scale.

Traditional CDNs: Storage at the Core

Historically, CDNs were deployed in internet exchanges and large data centres. Their primary role was content caching: storing videos, images, and static files that could be quickly retrieved. Roughly 95% of the infrastructure was devoted to storage, with only a small fraction allocated to compute.

This model was well suited for the early web, where content was mostly static. Websites loaded faster, videos buffered less, and software downloads became more efficient.

But today, the internet is not only about static files. It is about real-time interaction: cloud gaming, interactive video, augmented reality, and live collaboration tools. These new services place demands that traditional CDNs alone cannot meet.

The Rise of the Edge CDN

To address these demands, the industry has shifted towards the Edge CDN. Unlike traditional models, Edge CDNs deploy infrastructure deeper into networks — inside Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and even mobile operators.

Key differences include:

Key capabilities:

R  Proximity: servers are located closer to the user, often within the same city or network.

R  Compute capability: instead of only storing files, edge nodes can also process data in real time.

R  Flexibility: Edge CDNs function like a distributed cloud (IaaS), allowing services to scale up and down dynamically.

For applications such as online gaming, 5G services, AR/VR, and live video streaming, this model provides the ultra-low latency and responsiveness required. 

AI Inference at the Edge: A New Era for CDNs

The explosion of generative AI since 2022 has accelerated this evolution even further. Suddenly, running AI models only in centralised hyperscale clouds is not enough. Users demand instant, intelligent responses — whether in chat, recommendation systems, or real-time translation.

This is where AI inference at the edge becomes critical. Instead of sending every request to a remote data centre, the model runs on a nearby edge node. This reduces latency, improves user experience, and cuts down on unnecessary network traffic.

The Role of Orchestration in the CDN Evolution

As CDNs expand from content delivery into edge computing and AI inference, complexity grows. Managing thousands of distributed nodes across multiple networks requires more than just hardware. It demands orchestration — the ability to automate, monitor, and optimise workloads seamlessly.

This is where platforms such as NearbyOne become relevant. By providing an orchestration layer, they enable operators and enterprises to manage caching, compute, and AI inference across diverse edge environments. The result is simplified control, better utilisation of infrastructure, and faster time-to-market for new digital services.

Why Edge CDN and AI Inference Matter

The shift towards Edge CDN and AI inference is not a niche technical detail — it has direct implications for how we will experience the internet in the coming years:

R   Faster video streaming with less buffering.

R   Smarter applications that respond instantly.

R   Enhanced gaming and AR/VR powered by ultra-low latency.

R   Efficient AI deployment closer to users, reducing cost and improving scalability.

For enterprises, this means new business models and new opportunities. For users, it means a more responsive, intelligent, and seamless digital experience.

Conclusion: The Future of CDNs

The story of CDNs is one of continuous transformation. From the early days of speeding up web pages, to the rise of Edge CDN, and now the integration of AI inference at the edge, CDNs have become a foundational layer of the digital ecosystem.

They are no longer just about moving data efficiently. They are about delivering intelligence at the speed of thought. With orchestration platforms ensuring that complexity remains manageable, the next chapter of CDN evolution will shape not just the internet, but the future of connected experiences worldwide.