Overview
A node-count table is not a selection process. Align workloads, test conditions and billing assumptions to understand what fits today and what remains practical to change later.
Describe what needs to be delivered
Static sites, personalized applications, downloads and video have different bottlenecks. Resource types, size distributions, audience regions and peak patterns are more useful than a general request for speed.
- Separate cacheable assets from responses that must reach the origin.
- List important countries, regions and access network types.
- Identify the security rules, log fields and release processes that must be retained.
Build an evaluation you can revisit
Use the same samples and observation period for each option. Mark untested items as unconfirmed rather than treating marketing figures as measured results.
| Dimension | Method | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Loading experience | Test first and repeat visits on target networks | Timing distributions, waterfalls and failures |
| Cache correctness | Check identity, parameters, updates and withdrawal | Headers and content verification |
| Origin protection | Observe peaks and failure behavior | Origin usage, errors and failover records |
| Security control | Use authorized tests and investigate false positives | Rule versions, matches and rollback steps |
| Total cost | Apply the same workload to every charge category | Regional, request, storage and support scope |
Include migration and exit requirements
The portability of domains, certificates, rules and logs affects future cost. Agree on a switching method before integrating so dependencies do not disappear inside proprietary configuration.
Gradual adoption
Start with noncritical assets, then expand. Retain DNS rollback and certificate verification steps.
Understandable configuration
Record each rule's purpose, priority and owner to reduce future reconstruction work.
Traceable results
Use continuing observation instead of a single speed test, and record how workload changes affect conclusions.