A CDN-backed CTAN Mirror: `tlnet.yihui.org`

This article explains the creation of a CDN-backed partial CTAN mirror at tlnet.yihui.org, motivated by the annual TeX Live release issues where traditional mirrors become out of sync. The author details how the full CTAN tree is mostly irrelevant for TeX Live package management, focusing only on the tlnet directory and trimming unnecessary files like documentation, source packages, and binaries for obscure platforms. The mirror is now the default for TinyTeX, providing faster and more reliable updates. The content is technical, related to software distribution and infrastructure, and falls under IT/TECHNOLOGY.