BranchCache

Updated April 14, 2011

The Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 operating systems introduce BranchCache, which enables content from file and Web servers on a wide area network (WAN) to be cached on computers at a local branch office. BranchCache can improve application response time and reduce WAN traffic. Cached content can either be distributed across peer client computers (distributed cache mode) or centrally hosted on a server (hosted cache mode).

Deployment Information

BranchCache Deployment Guide
This deployment guide provides instructions on deploying BranchCache in both distributed cache mode and hosted cache mode, and allows you to deploy Hypertext Transfer protocol (HTTP), Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), and Server Message Block (SMB)-based content servers that are Web servers, application servers, and file servers, respectively.

BranchCache Security Guide
This guide helps you understand and manage the security of the BranchCache feature introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.

BranchCache Migration Guide
This guide describes how to migrate a Hosted Cache mode server to another computer running Windows Server 2008 R2.

BranchCache Design Guide
This design guide provides information about BranchCache in both distributed cache mode and hosted cache mode that assists you in determining the best way to deploy BranchCache on your network.

Network Shell (Netsh) Commands for BranchCache
You can use commands in the Netsh BranchCache context to configure all aspects of BranchCache, including client and server components.

Diagnosing a BranchCache deployment for the SMB protocol
Test the state of a network share or perform end-to-end validation with this PowerShell script.

Operations

Enhanced Branch Office Productivity and WAN Bandwidth Savings With BranchCache
Microsoft commissioned Edison to do a WAN bandwidth savings study for BranchCache. Edison analysts created a set of use case scenarios and ran tests over a range of typical WAN network types. This Edison white paper (1.8 MB PDF) discusses the results, which showed savings that, in many cases, exceeded the expectations.

Reducing Bandwidth Utilization with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 BranchCache
Learn how Microsoft IT is implementing BranchCache to cache data locally within the branch office. This configuration can cut network bandwidth needs, improve application performance, and reduce IT costs.

BranchCache Bandwidth Saving Calculation PowerShell Script for the SMB Protocol
Measure the bandwidth savings of your BranchCache deployment with this PowerShell script.