An edge server is a delivery endpoint positioned within a distributed network to handle requests nearer to users or suitable network routes. It may serve cached content or fetch resources upstream. The edge is one part of the delivery path, not the programme source, subscription provider or home router.
A practical example
A viewer can reach one edge location while another viewer is routed elsewhere. Differences in routing, cache contents or regional infrastructure can help explain why a delivery issue is not experienced equally by every household at the same moment.
A common misunderstanding
Geographical closeness does not always mean the shortest or best network route. Avoid identifying a server's performance solely by its apparent city or country in a diagnostic tool.
Related terms
Stable technical definition. Editorial approach