Microsoft's partnership with Edgio (formerly Limelight Networks) has entered a pivotal phase as the CDN provider announces critical infrastructure changes affecting .NET applications. Enterprises relying on Edgio's content delivery network must prepare for a mandatory migration to modern .NET frameworks by early 2025 to maintain optimal performance and security.

The Edgio CDN Transformation

Edgio's infrastructure overhaul focuses on three key areas:

  • Protocol Modernization: Phasing out HTTP/1.1 support in favor of HTTP/3
  • Edge Compute Evolution: Transitioning from legacy edge nodes to Azure-integrated infrastructure
  • Security Stack Upgrade: Implementing mandatory TLS 1.3 encryption

These changes directly impact .NET applications still running on:
- .NET Framework 4.x
- ASP.NET Core 2.x
- Any non-containerized workloads

Migration Timeline and Critical Dates

Milestone Date Impact
Phase 1: Protocol Deprecation Q1 2024 HTTP/1.1 traffic throttling begins
Phase 2: Legacy Node Retirement Q3 2024 30% capacity reduction for outdated frameworks
Final Cutover Q1 2025 Complete service termination for non-compliant apps

Technical Requirements for Migration

To maintain uninterrupted CDN services, applications must meet these specifications:

  1. Runtime Environment
    - .NET 6+ or .NET Core 3.1 (with extended support)
    - Azure App Service or containerized deployment

  2. Protocol Support
    - HTTP/2 or HTTP/3 compliance
    - ALPN (Application-Layer Protocol Negotiation) enabled

  3. Security Configuration
    - TLS 1.3 with modern cipher suites
    - OCSP stapling implementation

Migration Strategies for Enterprises

Option 1: In-Place Framework Upgrade

  • Recommended for applications with simple architectures
  • Requires:
  • NuGet package updates
  • Configuration adjustments
  • Limited regression testing

Option 2: Azure Migration Path

  • Leverage Azure CDN with Edgio integration
  • Benefits include:
  • Native HTTP/3 support
  • Built-in DDoS protection
  • Seamless scaling

Option 3: Containerized Redeployment

  • Ideal for legacy applications requiring significant modernization
  • Implementation steps:
    1. Dockerize existing application
    2. Implement sidecar pattern for CDN integration
    3. Deploy to Azure Kubernetes Service

Performance Considerations

Early adopters report significant improvements:

  • Latency Reduction: 22-38% decrease in TTFB (Time To First Byte)
  • Throughput Gains: 45% higher concurrent connections with HTTP/3
  • Cost Optimization: 18% lower bandwidth costs through improved compression

Tools and Resources

Microsoft provides several migration aids:

  • Edgio Migration Analyzer: Scans codebases for compatibility issues
  • Azure Migrate: Automated assessment and planning tool
  • .NET Upgrade Assistant: CLI tool for framework transitions

Action Plan for IT Teams

  1. Inventory Assessment (30 days)
    - Catalog all Edgio-dependent applications
    - Identify framework versions and dependencies

  2. Impact Analysis (45 days)
    - Run compatibility tests
    - Estimate migration effort

  3. Pilot Migration (60 days)
    - Select low-risk application for proof-of-concept
    - Validate performance metrics

  4. Full Deployment (90-180 days)
    - Implement phased rollout
    - Monitor CDN analytics for anomalies

Risk Mitigation Strategies

  • Traffic Mirroring: Route copy of production traffic to test environment
  • Blue-Green Deployment: Maintain parallel infrastructure during transition
  • Circuit Breakers: Implement automatic fallback mechanisms

The Future of .NET on Edgio

Post-migration, enterprises can expect:

  • Enhanced Security: Zero-trust architecture integration
  • AI-Powered Optimization: Predictive content caching
  • Global Performance: Expanded edge locations in 15 new regions

Microsoft confirms this migration aligns with their broader .NET unification strategy, ensuring long-term compatibility with upcoming innovations in the Windows ecosystem.