Cloud providers, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) and enterprises all have one thing in common: the need to deliver content to end users with minimal latency. To improve response times, a growing number of organizations are now embracing a strategy called edge computing, which involves moving network infrastructure closer to end users.

A new white paper from EdgeConneX® and Cedexis, titled, “Cloud Content, Connectivity and the Evolving Internet Edge,” highlights the superior performance of edge connectivity and content delivery. The study shows how CDNs have taken the first steps towards the Network Edge, in some cases realizing up to a 47 percent better response time compared to regions that do not have Edge deployments.

Conversely, cloud providers are behind the pack in their edge deployments. This is evident from the higher latency they are experiencing. Latency has been reported being up to twice as high in regions without cloud-enabled data centers. Cloud hyperscalers, meanwhile, are bridging the gap using direct connections over physical and Software-Defined Networks (SDNs).

The whitepaper compares Cedexis’ panel of Internet measurements with services that have been localized with EdgeConneX and Megaport, a leading Network-as-a-Service provider. Megaport’s global platform uses SDN to offer a seamless, secure and on-demand way for enterprises, services and networks to interconnect. Response times can improve between 50 and 85 percent for users who bypass the public Internet and opt for direct cloud access through Megaport using an EdgeConneX Edge Data Center® (EDC).

“Megaport’s Software Defined Network is designed to enable superior performance for companies accessing public cloud services,” said Nicole Cooper, Executive Vice President, Americas, Megaport. “As the results in this whitepaper demonstrate, users at the network Edge can benefit from lower latency by using our SDN as part of their cloud deployments.”

Moving network infrastructure closer to end users will create a greater need for third-party load balancing services. As companies continue to manage hybrid cloud systems, CDNs and connectivity options, services like Global Server Load Balancing from Cedexis will be critical in ensuring the efficient delivery of content and applications.

“Cedexis is pleased to partner with EdgeConneX to further understand the impact of proximity and direct connectivity,” noted Simon Jones, Head of Marketing and Evangelist, Cedexis. “By combining our data on billions of Real User Measurements with information on EdgeConneX local deployments, we are better able to understand the evolving Internet landscape.  Customers needing to navigate the growth in hybrid cloud and content will be looking for solutions that manage multiple local and regional service providers.”

Clint Heiden, EdgeConneX’s chief commercial officer also commented on the partnership.

“The robust edge ecosystem within each of our Edge Data Centers is expanding each day as the Internet must support the nonstop content, cloud and application demand,” stated Mr. Heiden “Along with Cedexis, we are pleased to validate and showcase how we are bringing the Internet community together to improve peering and connectivity globally.”

EdgeConneX offers purpose-built, power dense EDC solutions that enable the quickest data delivery speeds to end users. EdgeConneX is building a new Edge of the Internet by designing and deploying facilities that are strategically located nearest to network provider aggregation points. This ensures the lowest latency data delivery, along with stronger security and quality of service.

To learn more about EdgeConneX, click here or email info@edgeconnex.com.