How can CloudFront be used to optimize costs when…

Cost optimization with CloudFront is achieved through the following mechanisms:

Content caching: Storing static content in cache servers (Edge locations) closer to users reduces the load on the origin server (such as S3 or EC2), decreasing outbound traffic from the main region. Traffic within CloudFront between Edge locations and Origin is usually billed at a lower rate than outbound traffic from the main region.
Content compression: CloudFront can automatically compress supported file types (gzip, brotli), which reduces the amount of data transmitted and, consequently, the traffic cost for the end user.
Protocols and connections: Optimizing the use of HTTP/2 and persistent connections reduces the number of requests and increases data transfer efficiency, indirectly lowering traffic costs.
Pricing: CloudFront rates vary by geographic region and traffic volume, often offering more favorable conditions compared to direct access to the Origin.
Origin Shield: An additional caching layer between the Origin and Edge locations that consolidates requests, reducing load on the Origin during cache misses and preventing a "storm" of requests to the Origin.
Access control: Using signed URLs and signed cookies allows restricting content access to authorized users, preventing unauthorized use and related traffic costs.
Integration with other services: Integration with S3 and EC2 allows using them as the Origin, optimizing costs by utilizing cheaper internal AWS traffic between CloudFront and the Origin, as opposed to outbound internet traffic.

Example of compression configuration:

// Example of CloudFront distribution configuration part
{
  "Origins": {
    // ... origin configuration
  },
  "DefaultCacheBehavior": {
    "TargetOriginId": "my-origin",
    "Compress": true, // Enables content compression
    // ... other caching settings
  },
  // ... other distribution settings
}

Example of using Origin Shield:

// Part of the origin configuration in the distribution
{
  "Origins": [
    {
      "Id": "my-origin",
      "DomainName": "my-backend.example.com",
      "OriginShield": {
        "Enabled": true,
        "OriginShieldRegion": "us-east-1" // Origin Shield region
      }
      // ... other origin settings
    }
  ],
  // ... other distribution settings
}

How can CloudFront be used to optimize costs when using cloud services?