StackPath is an edge computing platform that delivers infrastructure as a service as well as applications closer to end-users and devices than hyper-scale, core cloud providers. They run high-performance, durable edge locations in the core of key markets across the world, linked to one another by a private network backbone and to end-users/devices via the top providers in each region, all integrated and automated by an innovative orchestration engine. As a result, most clients with latency-sensitive workloads may either create their own edge solutions or access the enterprise-grade apps that they design and provide. It is one of the top platforms for securing edge services, allowing developers to innovate, expedite, and safeguard cloud assets. It includes media distribution, websites, and IoT services. As a result, Stackpath provides enterprise-grade security and performance-on-demand platforms with cloud-scale flexibility and management. This is owing to its amazing global edge network infrastructure. Stackpath services are used by millions of clients, including start-ups and Fortune 500 corporations.
OVERVIEW
Contents
StackPath was founded in 2015. Lance Crosby, a tremendously successful businessman, launched the company, which is rapidly increasing to $180 million in quick fundraising. StackPath is a latency-sensitive workload and application development platform that includes virtual machines, containers, CDN, WAF, and other features. It is a newcomer to the content distribution network. It has grown significantly as a result of acquisitions involving established enterprise security, CDN and VPN services, and the migration of current clients. StackPath has expanded its product portfolio by purchasing major internet firms such as VPN providers Encrypt.me, MaxCDN, and Highwinds. StackPath was able to put up four web services by integrating these technologies. Content delivery networks, powerful web application firewalls, controlled DNS, and monitoring are all being reviewed. It is one of the newest entries in the content delivery network.
What exactly is StackPath?
- StackPath primarily helps in the calculation of services and infrastructure created at the cloud’s edge. Developers may now launch and create directly on the internet’s front steps. It makes it easy for consumers of your websites, API, apps, or whatever else you’re doing in the cloud to reach you without having to go around the world.
- Users have a smooth, secure, and quick experience. In brief, StackPath’s primary goal is to make the internet a safer environment for consumers. Building safe edge platforms enable developers to embed control, performance, and security into their ideas.
- StackPath, unlike other service edge providers, provides developers with a particular advantage. It has all of the components required to rapidly construct your edge solutions.
- Importantly, it provides complete transparency and accessibility through robust reporting. Most developers use StackPath because it allows for safe all-in-one integration of services from any data center.
- The developers can take advantage of the new prospects that arise while also improving inventive new use cases and procedures.
- The StackPath protects applications and websites in real-time by evaluating all traffic and enabling legal and legitimate access.
- StackPath, in a nutshell, factors the application, website, or API. It goes through the busy WAF policies, deactivating and customizing any standardized policies.
How to set up a StackPath account?
In comparison to other hefty registration forums, creating a StackPath account is very simple and quick. Entering an email address is all that is required to begin browsing the available services on StackPath. Following the use of your website domain, you must select where the StackPath will pull material from.
Typically, the web server where the StackPath is installed will determine the suitable protocol HTTPS and IP address. StackPath may be used for a wide range of operations. It may be able to cache material, provide relevant files from many places, and respond to visitor requests. The StackPath, on the other hand, is simpler to use and provides sufficient power for the majority of applications. Its edge rule system includes rules that allow you to tailor asset delivery, mobile experience, and security measures to your specific needs at no extra cost.
StackPath Dallas so seamlessly integrates the businesses. StackPath is the greatest choice for the majority of gamers; the tools positively enhance the examining skills with Verizon, Vodafone, and Rogers, which offer rapid mobile content distribution. As a result, it is quite successful in the transmission of CDN analytics.
StackPath, LLC offers cybersecurity solutions to businesses. The system primarily delivers vital security platforms to enterprises in order to safeguard their systems from viruses, cyber-attacks, and other dangers. StackPath is also an important platform for stacking games. As the developer’s customer base expands globally, it allows them to expand their headcount. According to StackPath evaluations, it is still a terrific partner for developers. Its immense scalability and worldwide reach make it a perfect game delivery solution.
Here are some steps to get started with StackPath Account
Step 1: Register for a StackPath account.
- Go to control.stackpath.com and click the Sign-Up! button.
- Enter your email address, followed by a password.
- Your password must be at least 8 characters long and fulfill at least three of the following criteria:(A letter in lowercase, A letter in capital letters, A number, (! @ # $% & ; *) a sign).
- Then Click the Create an Account button.
- Open the email from StackPath in your email client, and then validate your email address.
- Return to the site and choose Check Email to Proceed.
Step 2: Decide on a StackPath service.
You may only pick one service during the initial setup procedure. You may then add more services and features to your account.There are two possibilities during the first setup process:
Option 1: Website & Application Services if you wish to improve the speed of your website using a CDN, WAF, DNS, or Monitoring.
- Click Select for Website & Application Services in the control portal.
- Choose the chosen service (CDN, WAF, DNS, or Monitoring).
- Fill your payment details.
- Review the first charges under Total, then click Continue.
- You will be redirected to the dashboard after successfully creating an account.
Option 2: Edge Compute
- Click Select for Edge Compute on the control portal.
- Fill your payment details.
- You just pay for what you use with this service. As a result, there are no upfront fees.
- Continue must be selected.
- You will be redirected to the dashboard after successfully creating an account.
- Continue to Step 5: Invite Users.
Step 3: Make a website
A default stack has been constructed if you chose any of the Website and App services. You must make a site to complement this stack.
- Click Sites in the left-hand menu.
- Click the Create Site button.
- Enter the name of the domain that will transmit assets to StackPath in the Domain Name field.
- For most users, simply enter the URL of your website.
- Select at least one service to complement this site based on the services you already chose (CDN, WAF, DNS, Monitoring), and then click Continue.
- Enter the IP address of your web server where your files are hosted in the Hostname/IP Address field.
- Enter the IP address of the hosting provider’s server if you use one.
- If you’re using a storage bucket (Amazon, Google), provide the FQDN for the bucket.
- If StackPath discovers a DNS match for your domain, the Hostname/IP Address field will be filled automatically.
- Select the sort of authentication mechanism necessary to connect to your origin under Origin Authentication.
- Click None if you do not wish to include an authentication step.
- Click Basic if you wish to add an authentication step that needs a login and password to pass through basic HTTP authentication.
- Click on the Continue button.
- Your newly formed site will be displayed in the window that displays, along with the appropriate edge address.
- You may be prompted to log in to your domain provider in order to update your settings to reflect your newly associated edge address.
- Return to the portal and select Re-Check DNS Settings to validate that StackPath has synced with your site.
Step 4: Establish a DNS zone
In most circumstances, a DNS zone has already been created for you. If you do not see a DNS zone, you must create and set up one manually.
- Click Stacks on the portal’s left-side navigation.
- Find and choose the required stack
- The dashboard will be refreshed as a result of this action.
- Click DNS in the left-hand menu.
- Click the Create DNS Zone button.
- Enter the domain you used to establish your site in Domain.
If StackPath discovers a DNS zone that corresponds to your domain, all DNS records will be auto-populated and displayed under DNS Records.
Step 5th: Invite users
Select your username in the top right corner.
- Select User Management from the drop-down option.
- Select Add User
- Enter the name, email address, and phone number of the new user.
- Choose the appropriate permissions.
- Select Add User.
An email invitation will be sent to the invited user.
Step 6: Create an API key in step six.
To utilize the StackPath API system, you must first generate an API key for authentication. It should be noted that API keys have the same permissions as the user who produces them. As a result, administrators should refrain from generating API keys for their users.
- Select your username in the portal’s upper right corner.
- Choose API Management.
- Click the Generate Credentials button.
- Give your credentials a descriptive name, then click Save.
- Copy and store the Client ID and API Client Secret string somewhere safe.
The API Client Secret is shown just once. You will be unable to retrieve the key after closing the pop-up window.
If you misplace this key, you must generate a new one.
How to Make Use of StackPath?
Site load and security will be important factors in determining the success of an online business. The truth is that if the site takes too long to load, you will suffer. Customers are leaving before they see your goods. An attacker could bring your site down and render it unusable if it is not properly secured. All you need is something in place to help your sites load quicker internationally while also protecting them from internet risks. And here is when using StackPath comes in helpful. Stackpath will assist in the retrieval of all content required for delivery. It can determine where the material is located and the best way to retrieve it.
The Stackpath Edge address is often the unique Stackpathcdn.com URL issued when a site is launched. The URL is primarily used to identify a site on the servers and give the appropriate network gateway. As a result, below are some of the most important applications for the StackPath Edge Address:
Integrating the CMS plugin
Serving static information is one of the most beneficial methods to use the StackPath edge address. That is, you may examine your website’s JS, CSS, and pictures. You could use the CMS integration plugin to do this. However, all you have to do is replace the file paths on the page with the StackPath Edge Address.
Use a distinct subdomain.
The possibility of adopting a subdomain necessitates a DNS change. It is usually accomplished by creating a CNAME record. After doing this, it is necessary to wait for DNS to propagate coms. Following that, developers may utilise the modified CNAME that was propagated in the Edge Address location. However, if you want to use HTTPS on your website, you must provide an SSL certificate that covers your custom domain. The Edge SSL may then be adjusted to custom, and you can upload the certificate at the bottom of the page.
Full-Site Integration
The StackPath technology delivers all website content to users via this type of integration. The DNS must be addressed directly to the StackPath Edge Address in this way of setting. In addition, the address field should be set to your website’s IP address rather than the delivery domain. When you have finished configuring your settings, it is time to update the DNS records. The CNAME records for the important delivery subdomain, often www, must be issued and refer to the Stackpathcdn.com domain.
FEATURES OF STACK PATH
Let’s start with the good stuff when it comes to StackPath features. The only variation in fundamental elements such as pricing is the capacity. All of the features, such as SSL support, and analytics, are identical across the board. A welcome variation is given that most rivals limit their selections primarily on pricing.It means that even start-ups may enjoy the same protection as huge corporations. Another feature is that the StackPath CDN spans 45 locations worldwide. This is not the extent of the cloud flare. As a result, it is clear that they enjoy appropriate coverage in Western nations. StackPath will be quite useful in storing information that you use regularly or lately. This allows the material to reach end consumers more reliably and swiftly. As a result, StackPath provides the best end-user experience and the most efficient processes. Its distinguishing characteristics are as follows:
1. Fast Content Purge and Caching
You can regulate caching more effectively with the StackPath CDN. As a result, industries may make more material available at the edges by using large-capacity SSDs and effective caching processes. When you use the rapid purge option, you may erase material from the can using the API or the customer interface and it will never be provided again via StackPath. When files are typically deleted from the StackPath CDN, the cached files are also removed from all StackPath points of presence. That is why, before sending any requests to end-users, purging must request that the CDN receive fresh copies of the specified files. . It is especially important when files are withdrawn from your origin. When you lack the capacity to purge, you must wait on StackPath to determine when the updated files may be given to your customers.
2. New Content Distribution Network
The new StackPath CDN consolidates Highwinds’ enterprise-grade CDN’s incredible provisions and execution; the speed, adaptability, and self-administration components of MaxCDN and StackPath SecureCDN and the implicit security elements of SecureCDN, for example, stage-level DDoS insurance and coordinated WAF. While combining the administrations, the conveyance innovation was also intended to make it substantially more adaptable for engineers’ diverse and expanding range of conveyance wants outside CDN, including API conveyance, record/firmware appropriation, and video conveyance.
3. Real-Time Analytics
Real-time data analytics may assist firms to understand how they are performing and what is expected from them. They can pay greater attention to it if there are any corrections that may exist. With more granular data, it may be simpler to identify consent delivery and any traffic incidents. They can then be upgraded reporting capabilities and analytics. Similarly, depending on end-user attributes, you can identify the customer’s trips and page flows. In exchange, you have complete control and the ability to prioritize access to the various levels and content in order to construct value-added traffic models.
4. Web Application Firewall Upgrade
The company driving StackPath WAF has been updated with much-enhanced usefulness, including a custom standards motor that enables WAF administrators to create and manage their own traffic the executive’s rules. Clients may also use StackPath WAF with foundation and apps running outside of the organization’s foundation, extending StackPath security to third-party administrations.
5. Scripting without a server
You can write it using the StackPath, and then execute it to where the users first connect to the internet. It enables the incorporation of custom logic into processes, the modification of end-user experiences, and the delivery of personalized content without the need for infrastructure administration. This solution makes it simple to examine inbound requests in order to block and redirect traffic. You may use all of these to safeguard your infrastructure and apps against malicious bots. Furthermore, against malicious activities and other automated traffic without jeopardizing traffic performance.
6. Segmented Downloads
Users may also boost their file download speed with StackPath. It allows users to download many files from multiple servers from their computers at the same time. You may improve file delivery by segmenting downloads to keep track of huge files that customers have previously received or requested.
7. Renewal of a new web application
Another essential feature introduced to the system by StackPath is an upgrade to the WAF. It has included new capabilities, such as custom rules, which allow administrators to manage and build their own traffic control policies. Furthermore, this new functionality allows clients to utilise the StackPath WAF with apps and infrastructure that are not hosted on the company’s platform. Third-party services are still protected by StackPath.
8. Free Private EdgeSSLTM Certificate
With Edge SSL, you may alter and add SSL certificates as needed, without engaging anyone on the Stack route. With this approach in place, you can be certain that all updates will be triggered in real-time and immediately propagated to all StackPath edge nodes. With a single click, it boosts availability and speeds performance from the edge.
9. HTTP/2 Server Push
This fantastic feature enables an HTTP/2-compliant server to provide resources to compliant clients before they are requested. It is one of the fundamental factors that can improve performance by assisting with load anticipation. As a result, it aids in reducing origin and improving latency by proactively permitting additional assets to be cached at the CDN.
10. Edge RulesTM is included.
It may be simple to activate the ready-to-use rules using this edge rules TM customization. It aids in the customization of distribution content protection, mobile user experience, SEO, security, and Origin relationships. When it comes to personalizing your delivery, the StackPath edge rules allow you to build and add functionality entirely on your own. With the crucial rules in place, users may direct their visitors to the key parts where you need them to be by using a 301-redirect edge rule. Furthermore, it can help safeguard material at the edge by URL signing and modifying, removing, and creating headers before requests are sent to the origin and returned to the connected clients.
11. Ease of Use
There is one aspect of StackPath that is quite simple to use. The screens for reporting and logging. You can identify traffic locations and caching percentages using these capabilities. This allows you to identify the important areas that may require improvement. Furthermore, their logging is simply outstanding. It allows you to streamline the click-through into the proper details, making reporting considerably more clear and more valuable. As a result, StackPath is simple to maintain and customize. It has the greatest web applications, such as DNS and firewalls. Because of the free trial, StackPath is extremely inexpensive and cost-effective.
12. Performance
This might be difficult to judge when it comes to StackPath performance. Their speeds will vary according to the service and area. Configurability is another important component of service. When one customizes their services, it may be easier to meet their demands, occasionally resulting in performance improvements. Though the UI does not appear to provide any information on this, there is the HTTP/2 Service. The Edge rules systems website looks to be more promising when combined with specific performance-enhancing ideas. It enables users to customize their benefit distribution, mobile experience, SEO, security measures, and other critical requirements.
13. Support
When you need help from the StackPath team, they have a staff that is available 24/7. They assist you in developing a system that is adaptable, quicker, and safer. The StackPath web platform contains a button in the lower right corner of any panel. You can then select help on the StackPath portal to access the support documentation. This might help you in resolving the issue you’re having. The good news is that you can obtain help via the StackPath site in a variety of ways. Consider sending an email, utilising live chat, calling, or submitting a support request. As a result, StackPath support provides high-performance content delivery while maintaining top-tier security. Its support system assures that everything is inexpensive, transparent, and simple. As a result, its support system is well-documented and user-friendly, with the sensation of direct connection.
FAQ
Can I change the TTL of my cached assets using the StackPath portal?
Yes, the StackPath Control Portal may be used to handle cache management and Lifetime/TTL. Navigate to the appropriate site and then pick CDN from the left nav-bar to display the CDN Settings for that site. You can change these variables to suit the demands of your website!
What can I do if my server takes too long to redirect to WWW or HTTPS?
If your server takes too long to reply with 301 redirects to the correct protocol or subdomain, you may delegate that duty to StackPath by setting the Preset Edge Rules to compel HTTPS or WWW connections.
Is StackPath a genuine company?
Their uptime and dependability have been exceptional. StackPath delivers a world-class CDN for a complex architectural application. High FPS gameplay is achievable due to the available speed. Each CDN cache server can boost the overall efficiency of the system.
What exactly is StackPath WAF?
At the Application Layer, the StackPath WAF guards against DDoS assaults (Layer 7). Layer 7 assaults are typically delivered in bursts and are not necessarily volumetric. This protection is always active, even while the WAF is in Monitor mode. The WAF incorporates a number of ways to identify and neutralize inbound threats.
Is it possible to modify the TTL of my cached assets using the StackPath portal?
Yes, you can manage cache management and Lifetime/TTL using the StackPath Control Portal. To view the CDN Settings for that site, navigate to it and select CDN from the left nav-bar. You can modify these settings to meet the needs of your website.
Conclusion
StackPath is one of the most user-friendly platforms for creating and managing applications. It provides quality reports while being easy to integrate thanks to the StackPath DNS solutions and Web Program Firewall. The good news is that if you are new to the platform, the first month is free. StackPath CDN may speed up your website, decrease server strain, is simple to set up, interacts with most management systems, and has nearly no disadvantages. It also has low costs on all scales. They also provide a one-month free trial so you can test out their wonderful services. As a result, StackPath CDN is an ideal alternative for customers. StackPath is simple to set up and manage, with great revealing and simple integration with StackPath Web Application Firewall and DNS components. If you are new to CDN, sign up for the month-to-month trial and try it out for yourself. StackPath WAF provides full-time protection for sites and programming by examining all traffic and just allowing significant and legitimate access. In conclusion, there is a reason why most developers are switching to StackPath, according to StackPath reviews. These systems have vastly improved and offer trustworthy products. The platforms are user-friendly and provide exceptional value for money.