# Set up SSAI with a CDN for personalized video advertising
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This section provides comprehensive guidance for integrating AWS Elemental MediaTailor server-side ad insertion (SSAI) with a content delivery network (CDN). Follow these steps to set up, configure, and optimize your SSAI CDN integration.

Server-side ad insertion (SSAI) is a technology that seamlessly inserts personalized advertisements into video streams at the server level rather than the client level. When combined with a CDN, you create a robust, scalable solution for delivering personalized advertising to global audiences with minimal latency.

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

## What you'll need
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Before setting up MediaTailor ad insertion 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**  
AWS Elemental MediaTailor configured and running  
A content delivery network (CDN) account (Amazon CloudFront or third-party CDN)  
Origin server for your content (HLS or DASH)  
Ad decision server (ADS) that supports VAST or VMAP

**Content requirements**  
Content properly encoded and packaged in HLS or DASH format  
Ad break markers in your content (for VOD) or SCTE-35 markers (for live)

## Before you begin
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Complete these setup tasks before implementing MediaTailor ad insertion 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

1. For basic MediaTailor setup, complete the steps in [Setting up](setting-up.md) and [Getting started with MediaTailor ad insertion](getting-started-ad-insertion.md).

### 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 ad insertion concepts

## Benefits of CDN integration
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Integrating SSAI with a CDN delivers these key benefits:

**Improved viewer experience**  
Properly configured CDNs reduce buffering, startup times, and playback errors during ad transitions. 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 ad-supported content.

**Scalability**  
Optimized CDN configurations handle traffic spikes during popular events without degrading performance, ensuring your personalized ads are delivered 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 ad transitions**  
Optimized CDN configuration ensures smooth transitions between content and ads, creating a broadcast-quality viewing experience.

The following topics provide comprehensive guidance on configuring MediaTailor with a CDN for optimal performance.

**Topics**
+ [What you'll need](#ssai-cdn-what-you-need)
+ [Before you begin](#ssai-cdn-before-you-begin)
+ [Benefits of CDN integration](#ssai-cdn-benefits)
+ [Understand CDN architecture](ssai-cdn-architecture-overview.md)
+ [Set up basic ad insertion](configuring-ssai-cdn.md)
+ [SSAI with channel assembly](ssai-ca-integration.md)
+ [Optimize CDN performance](ssai-cdn-performance.md)
+ [Monitor CDN operations](ssai-cdn-monitor.md)
+ [Troubleshoot ad insertion with CDNs](troubleshooting-ssai-cdn.md)