Application delivery network definition
An application delivery network (ADN) refers to a suite of technologies that work together to provide high performance, security, and availability for application services over a network. Its primary aim is to ensure that applications are always accessible, fast, and secure regardless of where the users are located.
See also: content delivery network, cache server, DNS load balancing, internet protocol address
Application delivery network techniques
- Load balancing. This technique distributes network traffic across multiple servers to ensure no single server becomes a bottleneck. It helps improve responsiveness and increase the availability of applications.
- Caching. Storing frequently accessed data in local caches can improve content delivery and reduce the need to fetch the same data from the original server every time.
- Compression. Data can be compressed to make it smaller for faster transmission. Once it reaches its destination, it is decompressed.
- SSL acceleration. ADNs can use dedicated hardware to handle SSL/TLS encryption and decryption tasks and reduce the load on application servers as a result.
- Content delivery networks (CDN). As a part of an ADN architecture, CDN involves having distributed servers that deliver web content to users based on their geographic location. For example, a user in Japan accesses the application from a server that’s closest to them. CDNs help cut loading times significantly and improve the app’s performance overall.
- Security measures. Security measures such as web application firewalls (WAFs), DDoS protection, and intrusion prevention systems help protect application servers from threats and attacks.
