What is Buffering vs. Streaming?
To stream a file means to load parts of a file into memory and send the file to the end user as the file is received.
To buffer a file means to load a full file into memory and to send the file to the end user only after the full file is loaded into memory.
By default, Cloudflare chooses to stream files. Streaming improves the delivery of large files by minimizing the time that the end user has to wait for the first byte of data.
Web services that send many small packets may benefit from Response Buffering. This helps shorten up the time a client has to wait for a small packet because they receive the data all at once.
What does the Response Buffering feature do?
By default, Cloudflare sends packets to the client as we receive them. Enabling Response Buffering means that Cloudflare will wait until it has the entire file before forwarding it to the end user.
Use Response Buffering if you would prefer Cloudflare deliver a full payload all at once to the client.
Who can benefit from Response Buffering?
Response buffering is good for customers looking to speed up delivery of many small items to the end user.
How do I turn Response Buffering on?
Response Buffering is available in the Network app of the Cloudflare dashboard.
Who is Response Buffering available for?
Response Buffering is available for all Enterprise customers. To upgrade to Enterprise, contact the Cloudflare team.