Caching Server Definition

A caching server is a network server dedicated to storing copies of previously requested data, such as web pages or DNS results. It saves web content or files locally so it can deliver them faster the next time a device requests them. This helps websites, apps, and networks respond quickly to repeat requests, reduces bandwidth use, and improves overall network performance.

How Caching Servers Work

When data is requested for the first time, the caching server retrieves it from the original server and saves a temporary copy. This is the first time the data is stored in the cache. The next time someone asks for the same data, the caching server checks its stored copies. If the data is still there and up to date, it sends it right away; this is called a cache hit.

If the cached data is missing or has expired, the caching server requests a new version from the main server. This is a cache miss. After sending the new data to the user, the caching server updates its stored copy. Cached data stays stored only for a limited time, known as time to live (TTL).

Common Types of Caching Servers

• Web caching server: Stores website content like pages, images, and scripts so they load faster, and the main web server handles fewer requests.
• DNS caching server: Saves DNS server lookup results so domain names connect to IP addresses more quickly the next time you visit a site.
• Content delivery networks (CDN) caching server: Works as part of a global content delivery network, storing copies of data on servers around the world to deliver content from the closest location.

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