CDN Configuration Problems

This article helps you fix common CDN (Content Delivery Network) configuration problems on Web60.

Check Your CDN Service Status

Before troubleshooting your website, verify your CDN provider is working properly.

1. Visit your CDN provider's status page (search for "[provider name] status" in Google)
2. Look for any reported outages or maintenance
3. If there's an outage, wait for the provider to fix it before making changes to your site
4. Test your website from a different location using a tool like "down for everyone or just me"

Clear Your CDN Cache

Most CDN problems happen because old files are cached. Follow these steps:

1. Log into your CDN provider's dashboard
2. Find the "Purge Cache" or "Clear Cache" option
3. Select "Purge All" or enter your website URL
4. Wait 5-10 minutes for the cache to clear
5. Check your website again

If you use Cloudflare, look for the "Caching" tab and click "Purge Everything".

Verify Your DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings cause many CDN problems.

1. Log into your Web60 portal
2. Go to the domain management section
3. Check that your CNAME records point to your CDN provider's servers
4. Compare these settings with your CDN provider's setup instructions
5. If settings are wrong, update them and wait 2-4 hours for changes to take effect

For detailed DNS guidance, see Managing DNS Settings for Your Domain.

Test CDN Performance

To confirm your CDN is working:

1. Open your website in a private/incognito browser window
2. Right-click on your page and select "Inspect" or "View Source"
3. Look for image URLs - they should contain your CDN provider's domain name
4. Use an online tool like GTmetrix to test your site speed
5. Check if the "Serve static assets from CDN" test passes

Fix Mixed Content Warnings

CDNs can cause "mixed content" errors if your site uses HTTPS but the CDN serves files over HTTP.

1. In your CDN settings, enable "Always Use HTTPS" or "Force HTTPS"
2. Check your WordPress settings under Settings > General
3. Ensure both "WordPress Address" and "Site Address" use "https://" not "http://"
4. Clear your CDN cache after making these changes

For more HTTPS troubleshooting, see Mixed Content Errors and HTTPS.

Disable CDN Temporarily

If problems persist, temporarily disable your CDN to test if it's causing issues:

1. In your CDN dashboard, find the "Pause" or "Disable" option
2. Wait 10-15 minutes for changes to take effect
3. Test your website functionality
4. If the site works without CDN, the problem is in your CDN configuration
5. Re-enable the CDN and review your settings

Check Plugin Conflicts

Some WordPress plugins conflict with CDN services:

1. Log into your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
3. Temporarily deactivate caching plugins (like W3 Total Cache or WP Super Cache)
4. Test your website
5. If this fixes the problem, check your caching plugin's CDN settings

For more plugin troubleshooting, see Plugin Conflicts and Resolution.

If you're still stuck after trying these steps, contact Web60 support with details about your CDN provider and the specific problems you're experiencing.

FAQ

Q: Why are my images not loading after setting up CDN?

A: This usually happens because your CDN cache contains old files or your DNS settings are incorrect. Clear your CDN cache and check your CNAME records point to the right CDN servers.

Q: How long does it take for CDN changes to work?

A: CDN cache clearing takes 5-10 minutes. DNS changes can take 2-4 hours to fully propagate worldwide.

Q: Can I use any CDN provider with Web60?

A: Yes, Web60 works with all major CDN providers like Cloudflare, MaxCDN, and Amazon CloudFront. You just need to configure your DNS settings correctly.

Q: Why is my website slower after enabling CDN?

A: Your CDN might be serving files from a distant server location, or your cache settings might be incorrect. Try clearing the CDN cache or check your CDN provider's server locations.

Q: Will CDN affect my website's SEO?

A: A properly configured CDN improves site speed, which helps SEO. However, incorrect CDN setup can cause duplicate content issues or mixed content warnings that hurt SEO.

Q: How do I know if my CDN is actually working?

A: Check your website's source code - image and file URLs should contain your CDN provider's domain name instead of your main domain name.

Q: Can CDN cause my contact forms to stop working?

A: Yes, if your CDN caches dynamic content or blocks POST requests. Exclude contact form pages from CDN caching or set up page rules to bypass caching for form submissions.