Cloudflare

Cloudflare is a DNS proxy plus CDN plus security network that sits in front of your origin server. After you point domain nameservers at Cloudflare, visitors often hit a Cloudflare edge first — not your hosting IP directly.

The free plan is enough for many small and mid-size sites when SSL mode and cache rules are set carefully. Cloudflare does not replace hosting: files and databases still live on your server, while Cloudflare sits in front as a shield and accelerator for inbound HTTP traffic to your website.

Many site owners enable it to reduce origin load, hide the server IP, and get edge certificates quickly. Results are only as good as the base configuration, so avoid conflicting SSL or cache settings.

What People Usually Enable

• Static asset CDN caching at the edge
• Edge SSL plus Flexible, Full, or Strict modes
• Basic DDoS protection and WAF depending on plan
• Page Rules or Cache Rules to control caching
• DNS hosting in the Cloudflare interface

Proxy Modes

Mail MX is not HTTP-proxied the same way — leave mail records as your provider documents. Proxying non-HTTP services by mistake can break mail or specialty apps.

What to Watch For

• Flexible SSL can cause redirect loops or weak origin security; prefer Full strict when origin has a valid certificate
• Stale cache means stale content; learn how to purge
• Hide the origin IP; do not leak it on unnecessary grey-cloud records
• Aggressive bot or firewall rules can block real users
• Still secure the origin app, including backups and CMS updates

FAQ