Serve static content in an Amazon S3 bucket through a VPC by using Amazon CloudFront

This template shows how to serve your static content from an Amazon S3 bucket through Amazon CloudFront while maintaininging everything within a secure Virtual Private Cloud (VPC). 

CloudFront speeds up delivery by using a network of servers worldwide (referred to as edge locations), so users retrieve their content from the closest server. The VPC keeps your content safe and secure in storage and retrieval. Other services such as AWS WAF shield you from bad traffic, and Lambda functions enable you to make minor modifications on the flight to your content before it gets delivered. This setup provides you with speed, security, and management, all within one design. 

Why this template is a game changer ?

This template combines a lot of AWS services into one simple-to-understand and simple-to-use setup. You do not have to create everything from the ground up. It is already designed and thought out to: 

• Speed up content delivery with CloudFront's edge locations. 

• Secure your content with AWS WAF and secure VPC setup. 

• Make it highly available by using load balancers and public subnets in multiple zones. 

• Use flexibility with Lambda functions for content processing. 

• It saves time and keeps your architecture simple but powerful. 
   

Who should use this template and when? 

This template is best for: 

• Developers and teams that host a static website. 

• Companies that serve files such as PDFs, images, or videos. 

• Anyone seeking improved security and performance when distributing static content. 

Apply when: 

• You desire to shift your content from public access to a secure network. 

• You need global reach but also want local speed. 

• You’re expecting traffic to grow and want your setup to scale easily. 

• You want protection against bots, attacks, or misuse. 

If your content is static (meaning it doesn’t change based on user input), this setup will work perfectly. 

Main components of the template :

Here’s a simple look at what’s included in the template: 

• Client – The user or system that requests the content. 

• Amazon CloudFront – Distributes content from servers that are close to the user to access more quickly. 

• AWS WAF – A firewall to prevent unwanted or harmful traffic. 

• VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) – A network that is private and provides additional security. 

• Application Load Balancer – Duplicates traffic between various segments of the system to prevent overload. 

• Public Subnet (AZ1 & AZ2) – These provide access to the Load Balancer and keep your system operational even if one zone is problematic. 

• Lambda Function – Tiny snippets of code that can process or change content before transmission. 

• S3 Bucket – Holds your static files. 

• Security Groups – Restrict who can send and receive data in your setup. 

• IAM Roles – Regulate what each service or user can access. 

• Edge Locations – CloudFront's worldwide servers store your content in close proximity to your users. 

• Monitoring Logs – Monitor performance and access. 

• AWS CloudTrail – Logs activities performed on your AWS resources for audits and security. 

• Auto Scaling Policies – Make your system able to accommodate more users when there are more. 

All of these components interact to make your content accessible, quick, and secure. 

How to get started with Cloudairy? 

Cloudairy helps you to use this template without having to create the whole system on your own. Simply follow these steps: 

• Login to Cloudairy with your credentials. 

• Go to the Templates section from the dashboard. 

• Search for "Serve Static Content in an Amazon S3 Bucket". 

• Click on the template to open it and view how it's constructed. 

• View and modify settings such as S3 access, CloudFront setup, and security rules. 

• Click "Use Template" to begin deploying it into your AWS infrastructure. 

• You can view the whole architecture and customize it before going live. 
   

How to use Cloudairy? 

After you have opened the template in Cloudairy, the following are the things you can do: 

• Set up settings for Amazon S3, CloudFront, and WAF according to your requirements. 

• Modify VPC rules or subnet settings for more control. 

• Invite team members to work with you or review the setup. 

• Look at diagrams to see how everything ties together. 

• Export the final design and deploy it to your AWS account. 

It's a visual step-by-step tool to simplify working with AWS, particularly when you have numerous services to contend with. 

Summary 

This template is designed to help you in serving static content, such as website files, images, or videos, using Amazon S3 and CloudFront, with an additional layer of security and reliability through a VPC. 

It mixes speed (via global edge locations), security (through WAF and private networks), and flexibility (with Lambda and scaling tools). You won't have to reinvent the entire setup yourself. Simply use Cloudairy to see, personalize, and deploy the layout. As a starter or someone familiar with AWS, this template provides you with a good starting point for hosting static content in the correct manner.