Why is AWS CloudFront considered a CDN (Content Delivery Network)?

AWS CloudFront is classified as a Content Delivery Network (CDN) primarily because it utilizes a global network of edge locations to deliver content to users with low latency. The core function of a CDN is to distribute content efficiently by caching it closer to end users, which allows for faster access to data and enhances the user experience.

CloudFront accomplishes this by having numerous edge locations worldwide. When a user requests content through CloudFront, the service retrieves it from the nearest edge location instead of the origin server, reducing the time it takes to load. This infrastructure supports high availability and scalability, which is crucial for handling varying user demands while maintaining fast response times.

Options that imply limited regional storage, exclusively using AWS solutions, or restricting access based on IP addresses do not align with the fundamental purpose of a CDN. The essence of a CDN like CloudFront lies in its ability to leverage a distributed architecture to optimize content delivery globally, rather than being confined to regional boundaries or IP access controls.