Company snapshot
| Category | Google Cloud CDN | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
Google Cloud CDN is a content delivery network integrated with Google Cloud. It sits behind Google Cloud Load Balancing to cache and serve HTTP(S) content from edge locations. Typical users are teams already running workloads on Google Cloud that want CDN caching, signed URLs, modern TLS, and consistent operations across the platform. The service emphasizes policy-driven caching, fast invalidation, and security integration through Cloud Armor. Pricing follows a pay-as-you-go model that varies by region and usage.
NS1, now IBM NS1 Connect, specializes in DNS traffic steering and MultiCDN solutions to optimize application delivery. Founded in 2013 and acquired by IBM in 2023, it serves enterprises needing precise control over traffic routing across multiple CDNs and cloud providers. Its flagship product, NS1 Connect, uses real-time data and automation to enhance performance and resilience. Customers include large-scale organizations in tech, finance, and media sectors. The platform integrates with various CDNs and cloud services to manage global traffic efficiently.
Network & Architecture
Google Cloud CDN uses Google’s global edge and backbone to terminate HTTP(S) traffic close to end users and fetch from origins over Google’s private network. Coverage spans major regions in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with additional presence in other geographies. Strengths include integration with Google Cloud Load Balancing, Anycast routing, and private backbone connectivity from edge to origin. Limitations can include fewer CDN-specific knobs than specialist CDNs and feature gaps for advanced video packaging.
NS1 operates a global network with 26 points of presence (PoPs) across North America, EMEA, APAC, and other regions, ensuring low-latency DNS resolution. Its architecture leverages authoritative DNS and real-time data for traffic steering, with robust peering to major cloud providers and CDNs. The platform supports hybrid deployments, combining on-premise and cloud DNS for flexibility. It excels in global coverage but may have less focus on niche regional markets like Africa or the Middle East compared to telecom CDNs.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Google Cloud CDN | NS1 |
|---|---|---|
waf | ✓ | ✗ |
bot_mitigation | ✓ | ✗ |
ddos | ✓ | ✓ |
rate_limit | ✓ | ✗ |
http3_quic | ✓ | ✗ |
tls13 | ✓ | ✗ |
tiered_cache | ✓ | ✗ |
origin_shield | ✓ | ✗ |
instant_purge | ✓ | ✗ |
stale_while_revalidate | ✓ | ✗ |
stale_if_error | ✓ | ✗ |
image_optimization | ✗ | ✗ |
video_vod | ✗ | ✗ |
video_live | ✗ | ✗ |
drm | ✗ | ✗ |
hls_dash_packaging | ✗ | ✗ |
websockets | ✗ | ✗ |
signed_urls | ✓ | ✗ |
edge_compute | ✗ | ✗ |
functions | ✗ | ✗ |
kv_storage | ✗ | ✗ |
api_first | ✓ | ✓ |
realtime_logs | ✓ | ✓ |
log_push | ✓ | ✗ |
terraform | ✓ | ✓ |
Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported, — = Not listed
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go pricing with regional rates for cache egress and request charges. Total cost depends on geography, volume, and cache behavior. See cloud.google.com/cdn/pricing for current details.
NS1 operates on an enterprise-only model with custom pricing based on traffic volume and feature sets. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there’s no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Contact IBM for pricing details.
Integrations & DevEx
Deep integrations include Google Cloud Load Balancing for traffic ingress, Cloud Armor for WAF and DDoS protections, Cloud Storage and Compute Engine for origins, and Cloud Logging and Monitoring for observability. Infrastructure as code is supported via Terraform, and a REST API enables CI/CD automation.
NS1 supports Terraform and Ansible for infrastructure automation, with an API-first design for programmatic control. SDKs and integrations with tools like Catchpoint and ThousandEyes enhance monitoring and analytics. Real-time logs and analytics provide immediate insights, and the platform supports seamless integration with major CDNs and cloud providers. Migration tools are available for transitioning from other DNS providers, with a focus on minimizing downtime.
When it fits
- Workloads already hosted on Google Cloud that need an integrated CDN layer.
- Teams standardizing on Cloud Load Balancing, Cloud Armor, and Cloud Logging.
- Organizations that want signed URLs, HTTP/3, fast purge, and policy-driven caching.
- Buyers who prefer Terraform and API-first management across cloud services.
- Enterprises needing precise MultiCDN traffic steering across global regions.
- Organizations requiring robust DDoS protection and real-time analytics.
- Teams using Terraform or API-driven workflows for network automation.
When it doesn’t
- Multi-cloud environments seeking provider-neutral or MultiCDN routing.
- Advanced video workflows needing packaging, DRM, or low-lency live features.
- Use cases requiring built-in image optimization pipelines.
- Projects that rely on WebSocket-heavy bidirectional traffic at the edge.
- Small businesses or startups seeking low-cost, pay-as-you-go CDN solutions.
- Users needing native video streaming features like VOD or live streaming.
- Companies focused on niche regional markets with limited NS1 PoP coverage.
History & Notes
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