How does Netflix's streaming architecture work once a user clicks play?

When a user clicks play on Netflix, the streaming process shifts from the discovery interface to Open Connect. Netflix has deployed appliances (specialized servers) at Internet providers worldwide, positioning content physically close to viewers. These servers store popular titles locally, eliminating long-distance data transfer across networks. This architecture creates a win-win situation: Internet providers save on network traffic costs, Netflix reduces its streaming expenses, and viewers enjoy faster, higher-quality streaming. The system ensures that movie data streams from a location geographically near the viewer, optimizing the entire viewing experience while efficiently managing Netflix's massive global content delivery.