Overview
NS1, now IBM NS1 Connect, specializes in DNS traffic steering and MultiCDN solutions to optimize application delivery. Founded in 2013 and acquired by IBM in 2023, it serves enterprises needing precise control over traffic routing across multiple CDNs and cloud providers. Its flagship product, NS1 Connect, uses real-time data and automation to enhance performance and resilience. Customers include large-scale organizations in tech, finance, and media sectors. The platform integrates with various CDNs and cloud services to manage global traffic efficiently.
Network & Architecture
NS1 operates a global network with 26 points of presence (PoPs) across North America, EMEA, APAC, and other regions, ensuring low-latency DNS resolution. Its architecture leverages authoritative DNS and real-time data for traffic steering, with robust peering to major cloud providers and CDNs. The platform supports hybrid deployments, combining on-premise and cloud DNS for flexibility. It excels in global coverage but may have less focus on niche regional markets like Africa or the Middle East compared to telecom CDNs.
Features
| Feature | Supported |
|---|---|
waf | ✗ |
bot_mitigation | ✗ |
ddos | ✓ |
rate_limit | ✗ |
http3_quic | ✗ |
tls13 | ✗ |
tiered_cache | ✗ |
origin_shield | ✗ |
instant_purge | ✗ |
stale_while_revalidate | ✗ |
stale_if_error | ✗ |
image_optimization | ✗ |
video_vod | ✗ |
video_live | ✗ |
drm | ✗ |
hls_dash_packaging | ✗ |
websockets | ✗ |
signed_urls | ✗ |
edge_compute | ✗ |
functions | ✗ |
kv_storage | ✗ |
api_first | ✓ |
realtime_logs | ✓ |
log_push | ✗ |
terraform | ✓ |
Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported
Pricing
NS1 operates on an enterprise-only model with custom pricing based on traffic volume and feature sets. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there’s no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Contact IBM for pricing details.
Integrations & DevEx
NS1 supports Terraform and Ansible for infrastructure automation, with an API-first design for programmatic control. SDKs and integrations with tools like Catchpoint and ThousandEyes enhance monitoring and analytics. Real-time logs and analytics provide immediate insights, and the platform supports seamless integration with major CDNs and cloud providers. Migration tools are available for transitioning from other DNS providers, with a focus on minimizing downtime.
When it fits
- Enterprises needing precise MultiCDN traffic steering across global regions.
- Organizations requiring robust DDoS protection and real-time analytics.
- Teams using Terraform or API-driven workflows for network automation.
When it doesn’t
- Small businesses or startups seeking low-cost, pay-as-you-go CDN solutions.
- Users needing native video streaming features like VOD or live streaming.
- Companies focused on niche regional markets with limited NS1 PoP coverage.