BranchCache

Microsoft introduced BranchCache as a new feature in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. BranchCache allows computers at a local branch office to cache data from a file or web server on a WAN (wide area network). The data can be cached either on the client computers, in distributed cache mode, or on a local server, in hosted cache mode. By caching data locally, there is a reduction in WAN traffic and applications often respond faster due to using local files instead of retrieving them over the WAN.

Microsoft provides several guides for setting up the BranchCache on their computers and servers, including a deployment guide, security guide, migration guide, and a design guide.

Cache, Network terms