Cloudflare Overview

Flynn · Oct 29, 2025

Here’s a broad checklist of things you’ll want to do with Cloudflare for your “empire node” (i.e., your global platform / infrastructure) — since you’re building a robust, enterprise-orchestrated stack, many of these items are relevant. You may not need every single item depending on your exact architecture, but this gives you full coverage.

Domain & DNS Setup

Onboard each domain/subdomain you plan to use via Cloudflare (add zone). (Cloudflare Docs)
Change the nameservers at your registrar to the ones provided by Cloudflare. (Crosstalk Solutions)
Verify and review all DNS records (A, AAAA, CNAME, MX, etc) to ensure they map correctly to your origin servers, load-balancers, etc. (Cloudflare Docs)
Decide which subdomains will be proxied (orange cloud) vs. DNS‐only (grey cloud) depending on whether you want Cloudflare’s proxy/edge services.

SSL / TLS / Encryption

Enable SSL/TLS protection (Full or Full (strict) mode) so traffic between Cloudflare edge and your origin is secure. (Cloudflare Docs)
Set up edge certificates (Cloudflare issues) and ensure your origin has a valid certificate if you use Full (strict).
Optionally enable HSTS, TLS versions policies, and cipher suite configuration for improved security.

Security & Traffic Protection

Enable the Web Application Firewall (WAF) to protect your applications from common attacks.
Set up Bot protection / Challenge flows to block automated bad traffic. (Cloudflare Docs)
Configure Rate Limiting rules for APIs or endpoints that may be abused.
Enable “Under Attack” mode or additional challenge flows during suspicious traffic spikes.
Use Access rules (IP allow/deny) for sensitive admin endpoints.
For your empire node, consider enabling Audit Logs, User access controls, and multi‐factor authentication on the Cloudflare dashboard.

Performance / Edge Optimization

Enable CDN (caching static assets at edge).
Use page‐rules or Cache Rules for fine-tuned behavior (e.g., bypass cache for dynamic content).
Enable Argo Smart Routing or similar premium features if latency globally matters.
Use Cloudflare Workers at the edge if you have logic you want executed globally (e.g., routing, redirects, simple micro-services).
Monitor performance metrics (Cloudflare Analytics) to identify global latency, edge hits vs origin hits.

Tunnel / Zero Trust Access

If you have internal services you want to expose securely (e.g., admin panels, internal tools), set up a cloudflared tunnel from your origin to Cloudflare. (Cloudflare Docs)
Define Access / Zero Trust policies so only authorized users/devices can reach those internal services. (Cloudflare Docs)
Enroll devices and set login methods if you plan to use Cloudflare’s Zero Trust / WARP clients for your team. (Cloudflare Docs)
If you’re integrating remote workers / global team, configure device posture, identity provider (e.g., SAML/OAuth) and device management via Cloudflare One. (Cloudflare Docs)

Workflow / Automation / Advanced Features

If you’re using edge logic or serverless micro-services, consider using Cloudflare Workers or the “Workflows” product. (Cloudflare)
Set up scheduled/cron triggers (via Workers) if you need periodic tasks (for example, scheduled purge of cache, maintenance jobs) via Cloudflare. (Cloudflare Docs)
Use API integrations (Cloudflare’s REST/GraphQL) to automate DNS changes, firewall rules, or other configuration changes as part of your CI/CD pipeline.

Monitoring / Logging / Incident Response

Enable DNS analytics, firewall event logs, worker logs, origin error monitoring.
Set up alerts for unusual spikes (traffic, threats, cache miss rates).
Retain logs as part of your audit/compliance strategy.
Be prepared with incident response steps: e.g., roll back DNS, disable proxy temporarily, switch to “pause Cloudflare” if needed.

Governance / Multi-Tenant / Enterprise Considerations

Organize your domains into zones, maybe multiple Cloudflare accounts for isolation if you have many sub-brands or services.
Set up roles & permissions (team members, read-only, administrators) in Cloudflare.
Use business/enterprise plan features if you require advanced services (SLAs, prioritized support).
Document your Cloudflare configuration as part of your infrastructure as code (IaC) in alignment with your orchestration stack (you mention C#, .NET Core, etc).
Ensure your architecture ensures fail-safe: e.g., if Cloudflare’s proxy fails, you have fallback routes; if you rely on Cloudflare DNS, ensure TTLs and register backup.

Domain Migration / Legacy Connectivity

If you have legacy services or domains, plan the migration: switching nameservers, verifying DNS propagation, downtime minimization. (Cloudflare Docs)
Confirm DNSSEC (if used) is handled properly during switch to Cloudflare. (Cloudflare Docs)
After migration, run tests from multiple global locations to ensure everything resolves correctly (your empire node will be global, so test globally).

Backup / Recovery / Contingency

Export your DNS zone or keep backups of your Cloudflare configurations.
Keep a rollback plan (e.g., revert nameservers, remove proxy) in case of major misconfiguration or outage.
Periodically review and purge stale DNS records, old firewall rules, unused tunnels, etc.

Tailoring to Your Context

Since you’re building a large, globally‐oriented platform with enterprise orchestration via .NET, workflows, AI, and multi-brand expansion, you’ll specifically want to:

Integrate Cloudflare’s APIs with your orchestration layer (e.g., automate DNS for new sub‐brands)
Use edge logic (Workers) to offload global latency and routing decisions for your system of systems
Tie in identity & Zero Trust for your internal/external membership ecosystem (members, digital media, global access)
Ensure your domain architecture scales (e.g., sub-domains for each region, redundant mapping)
Monitor global performance & threat landscape (since global exposure means more attack surface)
Keep your UI/UX consistent with your dark theme/neon style aesthetic while ensuring HTTPS and edge caching work seamlessly.

Cloudflare Overview