Cloudflare Cuts 100 TB of Memory from 1.1.1.1 DNS Cache

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Published: 2026-09-23T14:31:41.647Z • Permanent link

Cloudflare, a leading provider of content delivery network (CDN) services, has announced a significant redesign of its Big Pineapple DNS cache, which has freed roughly 100 TB of working-set memory across its fleet. The changes, implemented using Rust, a systems programming language, aim to improve the efficiency and scalability of the cache. According to a statement from Cloudflare, the redesign reduced the per-entry footprint by 56%, allowing for faster cache insertion and reduced memory usage.

The changes were made possible by the work of Cloudflare's engineering team, led by CEO Matt Prince and CTO John Lin, who have been instrumental in driving innovation and growth at the company. The Big Pineapple DNS cache is a critical component of Cloudflare's CDN service, which provides fast and secure access to web content for millions of users worldwide. The redesign of the cache represents a significant milestone in Cloudflare's ongoing efforts to improve the performance and reliability of its services.

The redesign of the Big Pineapple DNS cache is also notable for its potential implications for the broader DNS ecosystem. As a leading provider of DNS services, Cloudflare plays a critical role in ensuring the stability and security of the global internet. The company's efforts to improve the efficiency and scalability of its DNS cache are likely to have a positive impact on the wider DNS community, as they help to reduce latency and improve overall performance.

The redesign of Cloudflare's Big Pineapple DNS cache has significant implications for companies that rely on the company's CDN services. For example, companies like Netflix and Spotify, which use Cloudflare's CDN to deliver content to their users, may benefit from the improved efficiency and scalability of the cache. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global CDN market is expected to grow from $10.3 billion in 2020 to $24.8 billion by 2027, driven by increasing demand for fast and secure content delivery.

The redesign of the Big Pineapple DNS cache also has implications for research communities and academic institutions that rely on Cloudflare's services. For example, researchers who study the performance and security of DNS systems may be interested in the changes made to Cloudflare's cache. Additionally, the redesign may have implications for policy environments, as it highlights the need for ongoing innovation and investment in the DNS ecosystem.

The redesign of Cloudflare's Big Pineapple DNS cache is part of a larger trend in the technology industry, which is seeing significant investments in cloud computing and edge computing. Cloud computing, which involves storing and processing data in cloud-based infrastructure, has become increasingly popular in recent years, driven by the need for faster and more secure content delivery. Edge computing, which involves processing data at the edge of the network, rather than in the cloud, is also becoming more popular, as it helps to reduce latency and improve overall performance.