# Build MediaTailor linear channels with channel assembly and CDN
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This section provides comprehensive guidance for integrating AWS Elemental MediaTailor channel assembly with a content delivery network (CDN). Follow these steps to set up, configure, and optimize your channel assembly CDN integration.

You can also combine channel assembly with server-side ad insertion (SSAI) to create monetized linear channels with personalized advertising. This powerful integration enables you to deliver targeted ads to different viewers watching the same channel content, increasing your revenue opportunities while maintaining a broadcast-quality viewing experience. For information about SSAI with CDNs, see [Ad insertion with CDN](ssai-cdn-workflow.md).

In this topic, we use the term *manifests* to refer collectively to multivariant playlists, media playlists, and MPDs.

For more information about MediaTailor channel assembly, see [Using AWS Elemental MediaTailor to create linear assembled streams](channel-assembly.md). 

## What you'll need
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Before setting up MediaTailor channel assembly with a CDN, gather these required resources:

**AWS account and permissions**  
An AWS account with appropriate permissions to create and manage MediaTailor resources  
IAM permissions for MediaTailor, CloudFront (if using), and related services  
For detailed permission requirements, see [Security in AWS Elemental MediaTailor](security.md).

**Required services**  
A running MediaTailor channel assembly channel (not just an SSAI configuration)  
A content delivery network (CDN) account (Amazon CloudFront or third-party CDN)  
Origin storage for your VOD content (Amazon S3, MediaPackage, or other origin server)

**Content requirements**  
VOD sources properly encoded and packaged in HLS or DASH format. For information about working with source locations and VOD sources, see [Working with source locations](channel-assembly-source-locations.md).  
Content with consistent segment durations (recommended minimum: 1 second)  
Ad slate content for ad breaks (if implementing ad insertion). For information about configuring slate, see [MediaTailor slate ad insertion](slate-management.md).

## Before you begin
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**Important**  
This workflow requires a running MediaTailor channel assembly channel. Having only a MediaTailor SSAI configuration is not sufficient for this integration. You must have an active channel assembly channel configured and operational before proceeding with CDN integration.

Complete these setup tasks before implementing MediaTailor channel assembly with a CDN:

1. Configure network connectivity between your CDN, MediaTailor, and origin servers

1. Set up HTTPS for secure content delivery

1. Configure DNS settings for your CDN domain

### Knowledge prerequisites
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To successfully implement this solution, you should have:
+ Understanding of streaming protocols (HLS/DASH)
+ Basic knowledge of CDN configuration principles
+ Familiarity with MediaTailor channel assembly concepts

For basic MediaTailor setup, refer to [Setting up](setting-up.md) and [Getting started with MediaTailor channel assembly](channel-assembly-getting-started.md). For information about working with source locations and VOD sources, see [Working with source locations](channel-assembly-source-locations.md). For information about configuring slate, see [MediaTailor slate ad insertion](slate-management.md).

## Benefits of CDN integration
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Integrating channel assembly with a CDN delivers these key benefits.

**Improved viewer experience**  
Properly configured CDNs reduce buffering, startup times, and playback errors for linear channels. This results in higher viewer engagement and satisfaction.

**Cost reduction**  
Efficient caching strategies minimize origin requests. This reduces data transfer costs and origin server load, particularly important for high-volume linear channels.

**Scalability**  
Optimized CDN configurations handle traffic spikes during popular events without degrading performance, ensuring your linear channels remain available even during peak viewing times.

**Global reach**  
Properly configured CDNs deliver content with low latency to viewers worldwide, regardless of their location, expanding your potential audience.

**Seamless program transitions**  
Optimized CDN configuration ensures smooth transitions between programs in your linear channel, creating a broadcast-quality viewing experience.

**Topics**
+ [What you'll need](#ca-cdn-what-you-need)
+ [Before you begin](#ca-cdn-before-you-begin)
+ [Benefits of CDN integration](#ca-cdn-benefits)
+ [Understand CDN architecture](channel-assembly-cdn-architecture.md)
+ [Basic setup](ca-cdn-setup-basic.md)
+ [Configure base URLs](channel-assembly-cdn-baseurl.md)
+ [Implement ad insertion](ca-cdn-setup-advanced.md)
+ [Configure time-shifted viewing](channel-assembly-cdn-timeshift.md)
+ [Monitor CDN operations](ca-cdn-monitor.md)
+ [Complete optimization guide](ca-cdn-optimize-reference.md)