To address these challenges, video content providers started exploring and implementing Content Delivery Network (CDN) technology for acceleration optimization. CDNs serve as distributed network caching solutions that store content at edge nodes located in geographical proximity to end-users. By doing so, they reduce the distance between content servers and clients, thereby significantly increasing video loading speeds and minimizing waiting times for users. This results in smoother playback experiences.

The core principle behind CDNs is their ability to provide global coverage and load balancing capabilities. When a user requests a video file, the CDN selects the nearest node based on location information to cache the resource. This approach ensures that even if users are in slow-network regions, they can quickly obtain the necessary content without experiencing long wait times due to distant transfers. Additionally, CDNs use dynamic load balancing to maximize resource utilization across all cached nodes, further enhancing system performance and stability.

CDNs offer numerous features and services, including anti-duplication protection, snapshots, and redirections, which help video platforms better protect copyrights, manage content distribution, and improve user experiences. Anti-duplication rules prevent unauthorized downloads and streaming; snapshot functionality allows generating specific versions of videos tailored to different devices and browsers; redirection functions guide users to more stable connections, thus improving overall system availability and security.

An example of this application is iQiyi, one of China's leading video streaming platforms. It adopted CDN technology to accelerate its content delivery and access. Through strategic deployments of multiple data centers nationwide and effective resource scheduling, iQiyi successfully optimized the efficient distribution and accessibility of massive amounts of video content. According to relevant statistics, using CDN technology reduced average waiting time by nearly 70% and improved video loading speed by about 80%. This not only greatly enhanced user satisfaction but also significantly increased the site's handling capacity and operational efficiency.

Despite advancements in CDN technology, several challenges remain. These include cost management, ensuring service quality, and adhering to safety regulations. Industry experts propose innovative strategies and technical schemes to tackle these challenges, such as hybrid cloud deployment, intelligent algorithm optimization, and security measures. As both cloud computing and artificial intelligence technologies continue to advance, future CDNs will likely integrate new technologies, achieving higher levels of service quality and user experience.

Video-on-demand CDN acceleration technology has had a profound impact on user watching comfort and video quality. It provides a new impetus for the sustainable development of the video industry. With continued technological progress and refinement, we anticipate that future video-on-demand services will offer increasingly sophisticated, personalized, and convenient experiences. They will bring audiences around the world richer and more enjoyable visual delights.