Skip to main content

Researchers map out Netflix’s network of streaming video servers

A research team based at the Queen Mary University of London has mapped the network infrastructure that Netflix uses to stream video to over 190 countries worldwide. The study is believed to be the first time that the company’s servers have been mapped.

During April and May, five researchers used university computers to watch videos on Netflix, using a browser extension to make their requests appear as if they were coming from various different countries. They then analyzed the traffic delivered by servers in each region, according to a statement from QMUL.

Recommended Videos

The study found that servers are spread across six continents, and are housed at 233 individual locations. Unsurprisingly, the United States leads the pack in terms of traffic, with Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Brazil rounding out the top five.

As it turns out, it’s not just the Netflix library that can vary dramatically from one region to another — the very way that the streaming giant distributes its videos might be different, too. In the United States, servers are placed in many different locations, whereas in Europe they are largely deployed en masse in a select few locations per country.

However, the United Kingdom is something of an anomaly in terms of the company’s European strategy. The study observes “widespread deployment” of servers throughout the country, with many being maintained in partnership with internet service providers as part of the Netflix Open Connect program.

“The study is important as it provides an insight into how today’s internet works,” said Timm Boettger, the first author of the paper. “The different deployment strategies observed are caused by inherent regional differences, forcing Netflix to adapt its strategy to ensure low movie startup times and to avoid video stalling during playback.”

Brad Jones
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
3 underrated Netflix shows you should watch this weekend (June 13-15)
Two teen boys talk in Heartstopper.

Netflix is a platform designed to help you watch television. There are so many options to choose from that actually deciding what you want to watch can sometimes feel a little overwhelming.

That's why we've pulled together three great shows that are all available on the streamer for you to watch now. Take your pick from among them, and trust us, you won't be disappointed.

Read more
If you have to watch one Netflix movie in June 2025, stream this one
A man holds a camera in Rear Window.

If you're trying to decide what to watch on a given streaming service, one of the best ways to make you decide to view the recent arrivals on that service and what might be leaving soon. Netflix is filled with great movies, but most of them feel like the same old things you see every time you log in.

If you're looking for something new, though, Rear Window was just added to the streamer in June. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window is one of the best ever made. Here are three reasons you should make the time to check it out:

Read more
3 action movies on Netflix you need to watch in June 2025
Four men sit down against a fence and stare.

What's populating the action genre on Netflix? Sicario: Day of the Soldado, the sequel to Denis Villeneuve's Sicario, is being featured on the action homepage. While not as effective as its predecessor, Day of the Soldado features another terrific performance from Benicio del Toro as Alejandro Gillick. 

Add Soldado to your Netflix queue this month. But first, stream one of our three recommendations below. Our picks include a crime thriller from one of Boston's most famous figures, a feature film adaptation of an espionage TV show, and a Mount Rushmore buddy comedy. 

Read more