An edge server is a server located at the edges of a network, typically in geographically distributed locations. These servers are often used as part of a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to bring content closer to end users and improve the performance of websites and web applications.

The primary function of an edge server is to deliver content such as web pages, images, videos, and other files to users in their proximity. Instead of users having to retrieve content from a central server that may be far away, the content is served from an edge server located in their geographic region. This leads to faster load times and a better user experience as traffic is routed over shorter distances and potentially over more robust networks.

Edge servers also play a crucial role in providing features such as caching and load balancing. They can cache frequently requested content to improve response times and distribute traffic across various servers to avoid overload.

Overall, edge servers enable businesses and website operators to deliver content more efficiently and improve the performance and availability of their services, especially for users in remote geographic regions.