How is a content delivery network defined?

A content delivery network (CDN) is fundamentally defined as a distributed server network that delivers cached content based on the user’s geographical location. This approach enhances the speed and efficiency of content delivery by serving users from the closest server rather than a central location. By caching copies of content at various strategic locations across the network, CDNs significantly reduce latency, ensuring that users receive data with minimal delays.

This method also helps to distribute the load, improving response times and website reliability, especially during high traffic periods. By situating servers in various regions, CDNs can adapt to changing network conditions and user demands, making it an essential technology for optimizing user experience on the internet.

The other options presented do not encapsulate the essence of a CDN accurately. Security for data transfers, direct connections to cloud resources, and the concept of a singular data center do not reflect the primary purpose and operational structure of a CDN. The focus of a CDN is specifically on the optimization of content delivery across a network of distributed servers, thereby reinforcing the appropriateness of the selected answer.