3Com Webcache 3000 (3C16116) What is, Webcache?, Reduced Network Traffic, Reduced Web Latency

1 INTRODUCING THE WEBCACHE

This chapter contains introductory information about the Webcache 1000/3000 and how it can be used in your network. It covers summaries of hardware and software features and also the following topics:

■ What is the Webcache?

	■ The Webcache and 3Com Network Supervisor
	■ Webcache — Front View Detail
	■ Webcache — Rear View Detail
	■	Default Settings
What is the	The SuperStack® 3 Webcache 1000 and 3000 are high-performance,
Webcache?	easily configurable webcache appliances. They offer the following
	benefits to your network:
	■	Reduced Network Traffic
		The Webcache locally stores frequently accessed Web content and
		quickly serves it to the end user on demand. This reduces the amount
		of traffic on the WAN, providing significant cost benefits by reducing
		the bandwidth requirement on expensive WAN links.
	■	Reduced Web Latency
		The end user receives Web content more quickly and with greater

quality of service if it is served from a local, high-speed Webcache than if it is served from the Internet. Web object requests that have to travel over long distances are limited to the speed and capacity of the slowest link in the path. A Webcache that is closer to the client machines reduces the potential for slow links and dropped data packets.