Anyone even remotely concerned about online security and website performance optimization must know what Cloudflare offers. This technology company, founded in 2009, is one of the largest and most used platforms for efficient website management. In this article we are going to analyze What is Cloudflare and how to use its services.
Obviously, the information we present below is intended for website owners and administrators, although it can be equally interesting for anyone who uses the Internet on a daily basis.
What is Cloudflare?
Cloudflare's main task is to protect and speed up the operation of a website. It is organized as a CDN (Content Distribution Network), creating a copy of the web page in the cloud and placing it between the server and web visitors, including bots and spammers. This has a double utility:
- That the website and its contents are displayed more quickly when accessed.
- That the website has an additional security layer or filter.
That security filter It is especially effective in case of attacks (viruses, hacking attempts, etc.). Not only because it acts automatically in the event of infections or intrusions, but it also allows the web administrator block IPs and even visits from certain countries.
The other great advantage is that Cloudflare's global network allows our websites to be displayed very quickly, with Really short loading times. As is known, this not only improves the visitor experience, but also Helps improve search engine positioning. This is possible because Cloudflare can compress the scripts of a website so that they take up less space and do not require longer loading times.
How to add Cloudflare to a website
Convinced of the benefits of Cloudflare? Well, let's see then what are the steps to follow to incorporate this tool into the management of our websites.
- The first thing to do is access the Cloudflare website y crear una cuenta by clicking on the button "Sing up now!"
- Then we must fill a form with a series of basic information about us and click on "Create an account". You must enter an email and password (see image above).
- Then, in the space marked «Add a website» we have to Add the URL of our website. For the tool to scan the DNS (it is a necessary step) you must press the button «Scan DNS Records».*
- Once the scan is finished, the result of the DNS that points to our domain appears on the screen. we have to verify this information clicking the green button «Continue».
- At this point you have to choose one of the Cloudflare plans, which we talk about in more detail in the next section.
- Finally, the new DNS that we will have to use in our hosting.
After executing this process, the request will remain pending and, if there are no setbacks, the tool will be active on our website in less than 24 hours.
(*) While the scan is running, a short video is displayed that briefly explains how Cloudflare works. It's worth watching to learn more about it.
Fix subdomains issue
One of the most common situations that arise when starting to use Cloudflare is that this does not recognize the subdomains of the website, which, therefore, remain outside their radius of action. Luckily, this is something that can be easily fixed this way:
- In the Cloudflare home interface, we go to dns icon.
- Then, in the options drop-down menu, select CNAME.
- Finally, we fill in the spaces that correspond to the new subdomain and the domain to which it is linked. It's that simple.
Cloudflare plans
In point number 5 of the configuration process detailed above we pointed out the possibility of joining one of the different plans that offers this service. It is about four options, one of them free, designed to satisfy different types of clients:
- Free plan. Includes CDN, static content caching, and full immediate cache purging. The maximum client upload size is 100 MB.
- Pro plan ($25/month or $20/month billing annually). Added to all of the above is TCP Turbo, optimization for mobile devices and other extras such as cache statistics and technical support.
- Business plan ($250/month or $200/month billing annually). It includes everything in the Pro Plan by adding, among other things, minimum cache expiration TTL of one second and raising the maximum client upload size to 200 MB.
- Business Plan. Finally, a customized “à la carte” plan designed for large digital companies that manage a high volume of websites. The list of options is almost unlimited and the price is adapted to what each client requires.
Delete a website from the Cloudflare network
One of the most interesting aspects of Cloudflare is that, once configured for our website, it will work automatically without the administrator having to take care of anything. Total tranquility.
However, this advantage is not considered as such by many website managers, who want to have more direct control. That's why there are those who, after trying it, choose to remove your website from the Cloudflare network. In this case, all we need to do is change the DNS that points to our domain again. Exactly what we explained in the configuration process, specifically in step number 6, but in reverse order.
Conclusion
Cloudflare is a comprehensive platform that many users rely on to improve the security and performance of their websites and online services in general. As we have seen, the configuration process is very simple. Without a doubt, it is worth trying.
Editor specialized in technology and internet issues with more than ten years of experience in different digital media. I have worked as an editor and content creator for e-commerce, communication, online marketing and advertising companies. I have also written on economics, finance and other sectors websites. My work is also my passion. Now, through my articles in Tecnobits, I try to explore all the news and new opportunities that the world of technology offers us every day to improve our lives.