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Why It's Better Not to Use Cloudflare Proxy If You Use AWS

You've invested significant effort into creating a great website. Now, you want it to load quickly for every visitor. Many consider using services like Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront for this purpose. Both are well-known in the content delivery network (CDN) arena. But is it wise to use them together?

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Published onJuly 3, 2024
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Why It's Better Not to Use Cloudflare Proxy If You Use AWS

You've invested significant effort into creating a great website. Now, you want it to load quickly for every visitor. Many consider using services like Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront for this purpose. Both are well-known in the content delivery network (CDN) arena. But is it wise to use them together?

This article will explain why you might want to avoid using Cloudflare proxy if you’re already using AWS CloudFront.

Speed and Performance

Overlapping Optimizations

Both Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront excel at enhancing site speed. Using both can create conflicting optimizations. When two services try to optimize the same site, it can lead to slower performance instead of faster loading times.

Redundancy Issues

Having two services do the same job may seem efficient, but it often isn’t. Both Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront cache and distribute content. Using both does not double your speed; it can complicate your setup without added benefits.

Security Concerns

Complicated Security Layers

Both Cloudflare and AWS CloudFront provide strong security features like DDoS protection and web application firewalls. Stacking these services can complicate management and create potential security gaps.

SSL/TLS Termination

Both services handle SSL/TLS termination, which encrypts data. Using them together can create communication issues. If data passes through Cloudflare and then through AWS CloudFront, it may lead to complications in secure communication.

Cost Efficiency

Double Billing

Using both Cloudflare proxy and AWS CloudFront means paying for both services. This introduces unnecessary costs. AWS CloudFront offers transparent pricing options, simplifying budget management.

Wasted Resources

Employing both services leads to inefficient use of resources. Each service has a specialized way of handling data. Using both can hinder the performance of each, akin to hiring two people to simultaneously mow the same lawn.

Troubleshooting Nightmares

Complex Debugging

When issues arise, using both services complicates troubleshooting. It can be tough to determine which service is causing the problem, turning a quick fix into a frustrating challenge.

Log Management

Logs are crucial for identifying issues and understanding service performance. With two services, you'll have separate logs, making it difficult to combine and analyze them effectively.

Simplifying Architecture

Keep It Simple, Smart!

Simplicity often leads to efficiency. Relying on AWS CloudFront alone keeps your architecture straightforward and easier to maintain. This service can manage caching, DDoS protection, and SSL termination, acting as a comprehensive solution for content delivery.

Less Is More

Utilizing a single service reduces the number of potential failure points. Fewer services result in fewer complications. For example, Netflix successfully operates worldwide with AWS without needing an additional layer like Cloudflare.

While combining two high-quality services may seem appealing, it often leads to more complexity than value. Overlapping optimizations, complicated security, increased costs, and difficult troubleshooting can arise.

Keeping your site’s structure simple by primarily using AWS CloudFront can lead to easier management, cost savings, and improved performance. Why introduce unnecessary complexity when AWS CloudFront can meet your needs efficiently?

(Edited on September 4, 2024)

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