BranchCache Hosted Cache Server: Understanding the Benefits for Dev

Dear Dev, in today’s world, the importance of network speed cannot be overstated. Whether it’s for personal or business use, having a faster network is always desirable. However, as the number of devices and users on a network increases, it becomes harder to maintain a high level of speed. This is where BranchCache Hosted Cache Server comes in, to alleviate network congestion and improve network performance. In this article, we will dive deep into the concept of BranchCache Hosted Cache Server and understand its benefits for you.

What is BranchCache Hosted Cache Server?

BranchCache Hosted Cache Server is a functionality included in the Windows Server operating system that helps to optimize network performance by allowing remote clients to cache data locally. The idea behind this functionality is that it allows clients to access data that is shared by other remote clients, without the need to go back to the server every time they need the same data.

This reduces the amount of data flowing through the network, hence improving network performance. BranchCache Hosted Cache Server is a central component of the BranchCache feature, which is available in Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

How Does BranchCache Hosted Cache Server Work?

When a client first requests data from the server, the server sends the data to the client as well as creates a hash of the data. This hash is then stored on the client’s machine. The next time another client requests the same data, the client with the data will send the hash to the requester, who will verify that they have the same data. If they do, the data will be sent from the local client’s cache, rather than going back to the server.

If the client does not have the data in the local cache, it will request the data from the server as usual. The server will then send the data to the client and the client will store the hash for future use.

What are the Benefits of BranchCache Hosted Cache Server?

Improved Network Performance

The primary benefit of BranchCache Hosted Cache Server is improved network performance. By storing data locally, clients can access that data more quickly, reducing the amount of data that needs to travel across the network. This results in faster overall network performance, with less congestion and fewer delays.

Reduced Server Load

Another benefit of BranchCache Hosted Cache Server is that it reduces server load. By allowing clients to cache data locally, the server does not need to continuously send the same data to multiple clients. This reduces the amount of server load and improves server performance.

Improved End User Experience

Users will experience faster data access and download speeds, resulting in a better overall experience. This is especially beneficial for use cases such as remote offices, where WAN links are slower.

How to Set Up BranchCache Hosted Cache Server

Step 1: Install the BranchCache Feature

Before you can set up BranchCache Hosted Cache Server, you must first install the BranchCache feature on your server. To do this, open the Server Manager and navigate to Add Roles and Features. Select the server where you want to install the feature, and then select the BranchCache feature from the list of available features.

Step 2: Configure the Hosted Cache Server

Once you have installed the BranchCache feature, you need to configure the Hosted Cache Server. This involves setting up a server that will act as the cache server for client requests.

To configure the Hosted Cache Server, open the Group Policy Management Editor and navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Network > BranchCache. Enable the following policies:

• Set BranchCache Hosted Cache mode
• Set BranchCache Hosted Cache size

After enabling these policies, configure the settings as desired, and then click OK to save the changes.

Step 3: Configure the Clients

After setting up the Hosted Cache Server, you need to configure the clients to use the cache server. This involves enabling the BranchCache feature on the client machines, and then specifying the cache server to use.

To enable BranchCache on the client machines, open the Group Policy Management Editor and navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Network > BranchCache. Enable the following policies:

• Turn on BranchCache
• Set BranchCache distributed cache mode

After enabling these policies, configure the settings as desired, and then click OK to save the changes.

To specify the cache server to use, open the Command Prompt on the client machines and run the following command:

netsh branchcache set service mode=distributed

netsh branchcache set service parameterizedhost <cache server IP address>

FAQ on BranchCache Hosted Cache Server

What are the hardware requirements for BranchCache Hosted Cache Server?

The hardware requirements for BranchCache Hosted Cache Server are minimal. A computer with at least 4 GB of RAM and 20 GB of free hard disk space should be sufficient for most deployments.

What types of data can be cached with BranchCache Hosted Cache Server?

BranchCache Hosted Cache Server can cache any type of data that is shared over the network. This includes files, web pages, and application data.

Can BranchCache Hosted Cache Server be used with a remote desktop session host?

Yes, BranchCache Hosted Cache Server can be used with a remote desktop session host. In fact, using BranchCache Hosted Cache Server with a remote desktop session host can greatly improve the performance of the remote desktop environment.

How many Hosted Cache Servers can be used in a BranchCache deployment?

You can use multiple Hosted Cache Servers in a BranchCache deployment, depending on the size and complexity of your network. Microsoft recommends using at least one Hosted Cache Server for every 100 clients.

Can BranchCache be used with VPN connections?

Yes, BranchCache can be used with VPN connections. However, for best performance, it is recommended to use BranchCache over a LAN or WAN connection, rather than a VPN connection.

Conclusion

BranchCache Hosted Cache Server is a powerful tool that can greatly improve network performance and reduce server load. By enabling clients to cache data locally, BranchCache Hosted Cache Server reduces the amount of data that needs to travel across the network, resulting in faster overall network performance. With its easy setup and configuration, BranchCache Hosted Cache Server is a must-have tool for organizations looking to optimize their network performance.