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Manage Cloudflare CDN Settings

This guide explains the main Cloudflare controls you will use to keep your site fast and safe.

Speed and Performance2 min read19 steps

What is a CDN?

A CDN is a group of servers around the world that keep copies of your files. When someone visits your site, they get files from the nearest server. A shorter trip means a faster page. Think of a chain of shops: you buy from the closest one instead of travelling to the factory.

Cloudflare is a service that works as a CDN. It also adds protection. Menu names may change over time, so look for similar words if yours differ.

Steps to get to the controls

  1. Go to the Cloudflare website and log in.
  2. Click the domain you want to manage.
  3. Use the left menu to move between sections.

The main sections

Caching

  1. Click Caching then Configuration.
  2. Use Purge Everything to clear all saved copies.
  3. Set Browser Cache TTL. TTL means time to live. It is how long a copy is kept before it is renewed. Longer times make repeat visits faster.
  4. Use Development Mode when you are working on your site.

Speed

  1. Click Speed then Optimization.
  2. Look for options that shrink files, such as Auto Minify, if your account has them.
  3. Turn on one option at a time, then test your site.

SSL/TLS

  1. Click SSL/TLS.
  2. Pick the mode that fits. If your server has a valid certificate, use Full or Full (strict).
  3. Turn on Always Use HTTPS to send visitors to the private version of your site.

DNS

DNS is like a phone book for the internet. It turns a website name into a number that computers understand.

  1. Click DNS then Records.
  2. An orange cloud means traffic uses Cloudflare. A grey cloud means traffic goes straight to your server.
  3. Keep mail records grey.

Security

  1. Click Security.
  2. Look at Events to see blocked requests.
  3. Change the security level only if you have a reason to.
Warning: Change one setting at a time. Write down the old value first. A wrong setting can take your site offline.

If you need help with your hosting, open a support ticket at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.

Quick recap

  • A CDN serves your files from a server near the visitor.
  • Use Caching to purge and set cache times.
  • Use SSL/TLS for a private connection.
  • Use DNS to see which records go through Cloudflare.
  • Change one thing at a time and test.