Streaming a video without buffering? Thank edge computing. Netflix’ s global dominance is built not just on content but on its Open Connect programme, a massive content delivery network( CDN) that is a model of edge architecture. This means that instead of serving every episode of Stranger Things from a few giant data centres, Netflix places its own red server boxes – called Open Connect Appliances( OCAs) – deep inside local Internet Service Provider( ISP) networks all over the world.
“ In anticipation of this growing demand from consumers and in line with our longterm vision of entertaining the world, we knew we had to invest in our own global content delivery network – and that’ s how the Open Connect program was born,” explains Gina Haspilaire, Netflix’ s Vice President of Open Connect Partnerships and Planning Content Delivery.“ We developed an infrastructure that efficiently delivers quality entertainment to our members – no matter where they are around the world or what device they’ re watching on – in partnership with internet service providers( ISPs) worldwide.
When you press play, the video is streamed from an OCA in your city, not from a server across the globe, drastically reducing latency and ensuring a highquality stream. So, in this instance, the cloud handles your login and recommendations, while the edge delivers the video.
140 January 2026