Understanding Global Anycast Network

Anycast is a network addressing and routing methodology that attributes a single IP address to multiple DNS servers in a network.

The basis of Anycast is that the user's location is used to determine which one of the name servers is the nearest to transmit the data to.

This strategy, reduces the time taken for data transfer because it passes through the least number of network servers — promoting an efficient and repeatable world-wide web experience for all users.

Anycast Key Features

Speedier Connectivity

Data is channelled to the closest DNS server, minimising outward and return journey time.

Load Balanced

Every DNS server is able to respond and process data requests and by using IP Addresses (instead of DNS) failover is achieved.

Clear Configuration Administration

Each DNS server is delivered the same server configuration.

DDoS Reduction

After screening, the DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack traffic is dispersed throughout many data centres; in this way, no single server is suffocated with requests.

Links To In Depth Anycast Articles

Wikipedia:

Anycast