What characterizes a distributed network of servers like a CDN?

A distributed network of servers, such as a Content Delivery Network (CDN), is characterized by high availability and redundancy to reduce the risk of failure. In this context, a CDN typically consists of multiple servers strategically located in various geographic locations. This design ensures that content can be delivered to users more efficiently by reducing latency and improving load times.

High availability is achieved through redundancy; if one server goes down, others can take over the load without impacting the user experience. This decentralized approach minimizes the risk of a single point of failure, which is crucial for maintaining service continuity, particularly for applications and services that require reliable, real-time access.

In contrast, centralized control over data storage, dependence on a single data center, and strict regulation of content based on geographical region do not align with the nature of a distributed network. A CDN specifically aims to eliminate reliance on a single source by distributing content across multiple servers, thus enhancing performance and reliability.