2.1 Overview

The Content Caching and Retrieval protocols enable the retrieval of content from networked computers. These protocols support content discovery, transport, data structures that are used for content, and the encryption process for securing content. Within the system, caching has two distinct modes of operation. One mode, in which the cached content is on a single predetermined computer, is known in this document as a hosted cache. This mode follows a client/server model.<1> The other mode, in which the cached content is distributed among a number of computers, is known in this document as distributed cache. This mode follows a peer-to-peer caching model.<2>

Relationships of Content Caching and Retrieval protocols with external components

Figure 1: Relationships of Content Caching and Retrieval protocols with external components

The main external components that interact with the Content Caching and Retrieval protocols are as follows:

Admin tool: A tool that the administrator uses to configure the Content Caching and Retrieval options.

Content client: An application that consumes content.

Content (File and Web) server: A service that publishes content.

Authentication Services (optional): An external service that provides any required authentication processes.

Group Policy (optional): An external service that dictates and enforces any policy restrictions.

The member protocols that make up the system are described in section 2.2.