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CDN Origin Shield & Cache Hierarchy

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CDN cache hierarchy

A CDN isn't just 'edge servers near users.' Modern CDNs have multi-tier cache hierarchies: edge PoPs close to users, regional mid-tier caches (origin shields), and finally the origin. Each tier catches more cache misses, protecting the tier above.

The goal: the origin server handles as few requests as possible — ideally only unique content fetches, not repetitive user requests.

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