What is
Cloudflare
?
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At a glance
Fact | Value |
|---|---|
Primary use case | Accelerate and secure Internet applications through a global network and CDN |
Deployment type | Managed cloud platform with dashboard and APIs |
Pricing model | Free tiers, subscriptions, per-user pricing, usage-based compute, and custom enterprise contracts. Website Pro: $20/month billed annually or $25 monthly; Business: $200/month billed annually or $250 monthly. Zero Trust pay-as-you-go: $7/user/month. |
API compatibility | Cloudflare API; SSL |
Supported integrations | Rackspace, OpenClaw |
Source type | Dual |
Cloud provider | Cloud Agnostic |
Ideal team size | Individuals to enterprise teams with thousands of users |
Required skills | Network and security configuration; CNAME configuration and health checks for advanced deployments |
AEP branch | Tooling |
AEP category | Resources |
AEP subcategory | Networking |
Profile
Cloudflare is a Networking resource that provides a global network for running applications and security services close to users and data. Its platform combines networking, CDN, security, compute, and storage capabilities, with access through a dashboard and APIs.
The network operates in 335+ cities and reaches 95% of the world's Internet-connected population within 50ms. Cloudflare reports blocking 310 billion cyber threats daily and powering 45% of the Fortune 500.
Focus
Cloudflare serves individuals and teams ranging from small groups to enterprises with thousands of users. It addresses the need to accelerate and secure Internet applications, while offering tools for connecting and securing users, devices, and data.
Its services include a global CDN, DDoS mitigation, SSL, WAF, bot protection, Zero Trust, and compute and storage options. Website plans include free, Pro, Business, and custom contract tiers; Zero Trust offers a free tier for teams under 50 and pay-as-you-go pricing for active users.
Background
Cloudflare's documentation repository is available at github.com/cloudflare/cloudflare-docs. The supplied company-background information does not provide details about the company's founding or funding history, or describe other open-source contributions.
Features
Global network and CDN
Cloudflare's global network supports application delivery and security close to users. The network operates in 335+ cities and reaches 95% of the world's Internet-connected population within 50ms; CDN, DDoS mitigation, SSL, WAF, and bot protection are included across website plan tiers, with paid plans adding depth.
Smart Placement
Smart Placement can improve end-to-end latency by moving a Worker closer to its backend data. Cloudflare reports 4.5x faster performance and faster results for 95% of round trips when Workers run near the backend rather than the user.
Application and workforce security
Cloudflare provides security and connectivity for sites, applications, users, devices, and data. Its website protections include DDoS mitigation, SSL, WAF, and bot protection, while its Zero Trust platform includes ZTNA, SWG, and DEX.
Compute priced by CPU time
Cloudflare charges for compute rather than wall-clock time, including during long agent workflows or while WebSockets are hibernating. This pricing approach avoids compute charges for idle time spent waiting for APIs, LLMs, or people.
Pros and cons
Pros
Combines a global CDN and network with security services such as DDoS mitigation, SSL, WAF, and bot protection.
Cloudflare reports reach to 95% of the world's Internet-connected population within 50ms, across a network operating in 335+ cities.
Offers a free website tier and a free Zero Trust tier for teams under 50, alongside paid and custom contract options.
Smart Placement reports 4.5x faster performance and faster results for 95% of round trips when Workers run near the backend.
Cons
Advanced deployments require network and security configuration, including CNAME configuration and health checks.
Pricing for mission-critical website contracts and full-featured SASE contracts is custom, so those tiers do not have a standard listed price.
FAQs
Cloudflare frequently asked questions
How does Cloudflare work?
Cloudflare uses its global network and CDN to deliver application traffic and security close to users; Smart Placement can move a Worker closer to its backend data to improve end-to-end latency.
What integrations does Cloudflare support?
Cloudflare lists Rackspace and OpenClaw as supported integrations.
How much does Cloudflare cost?
Cloudflare pricing is: Free tiers, subscriptions, per-user pricing, usage-based compute, and custom enterprise contracts. Website Pro: $20/month billed annually or $25 monthly; Business: $200/month billed annually or $250 monthly. Zero Trust pay-as-you-go: $7/user/month.
What skills are required to configure Cloudflare?
Cloudflare lists Network and security configuration; CNAME configuration and health checks for advanced deployments as required skills.
What are the downsides of using Cloudflare?
Cloudflare requires network and security configuration, including CNAME configuration and health checks for advanced deployments; pricing for mission-critical website contracts and full-featured SASE contracts is custom.
