FAQs

Q: What is Web Caching?

A: Traditional Web Caching is the technique of storing previously requested data - usually ftp and http web traffic - geographically closer to those who may require it in the future. For example, if a school has a cache, and one of its pupils requests a web page from a remote web site which has not been requested before, the cache will automatically add a copy of this page to its data store as it passes through. If another student then requests this same web page, it will be delivered directly from the cache, hence saving the delays of requesting and retrieving the data from the original site.

Q: Why Web Cache?

A: The top reasons are:
o To reduce the time it takes to view a web page (i.e. reduce latency)
o To reduce traffic and impact on both WAN ( LA) and LAN ( School) Network Bandwidth.
o To reduce traffic impact on the Web Servers supplying the information.
o To allow use of rich new content for e-learning applications.

Q: Why not just buy more bandwidth rather than a Cache device?

A: Because we get the same well-known dilemma, as with adding a new lane on a motorway, that extra capacity rapidly becomes blocked especially at peak times. Many primary schools are already increasing their bandwidth up to 2 Megabit per second. However, they are also increasing their numbers of PCs. The effective throughput could be as low as 34K bits per second, and half that speed in secondary schools - i.e. the equivalent of very slow modem for each online pupil.

Q: What is Smart Caching?

A: Smart Caching on CachePilot products provides additional benefits of having content for that day's lessons preloaded ready and waiting. This may be information that is provided by specialist content providers or public information defined as required by the local teaching staff. CachePilot can do a variety of other important tasks including acting as a firewall, a WAN router and a Web content filter.

Q: How do Smart Caches differ from traditional Caches?

A: Smart Caches such as CachePilot differ in 3 ways, having the ability to:
o Flexibly pre-cache content before it is required
o Directly serve users with complete web pages (not just a few objects) mirrored into local storage.
o Act as a sophisticated Gateway device handling many other functions besides Caching.

Q: What is Pre-Caching?

A: This is the ability to load into cache the content for a particular lesson or subject matter, ahead of time. CachePilot can be configured to preload all the objects for specified pages in an orderly structured fashion during off-peak times.

Q: What is Web Mirroring?

A: Where CachePilot differs from a conventional cache is by replicating or 'mirroring' whole sections of a web site and then become completely autonomous from the origin server. In this instance CachePilot is acting as a local web server in its own right. Web content is copied into what is known as a 'Webshare' resident on the CachePilot. Browsers on student PCs point at the Webshare to view the mirrored content. Physically disconnecting the WAN link on the connection to the Internet proves it's completely freestanding!

Q: What else can a CachePilot do besides pure Caching?

A: A true smart caching device such as CachePilot has a rich repertoire of capabilities to distribute content, and also the ability to conduct a range of other key functions for the educational sector. This includes acting as a WAN router, a Firewall, a Gateway, and an Internet Content Filter

Q: What does a Smart Cache look like?

A: Similar in size to a CD or DVD player, a purpose-built Caching Appliance does not look physically like a standard PC, nor is it a conventional PC or server. It's hardware components are optimised exclusively for high performance caching applications. It will typically have at least two LAN (Local Area Network) ports and a WAN (Wide Area Network) port

Q: Where is a Smart Cache like CachePilot deployed in the network?
A: The best location for a CachePilot is actually sited on-campus, directly connected to the LAN of the school or college. It also provides the control and flexibility to tailor the exact content necessary for each individual school.

Q: Can Content Providers pre-load their material on CachePilot?
A: CachePilot has been specially designed to work alongside any of the ever-growing number of content providers, and has the capacity to hold information from multiple sources. Third party content may be factory pre-loaded on to CachePilot.

Q: Can CachePilot work with other Caches?
A: A local CachePilot can be configured to work in conjunction with an ISP's cache or one located centrally at an LA. Both devices are aware of the age and content of the information that is being carried by the co-operating device, considerably reducing the likelihood of having to go back to the originating server.

Q: How do I test how Cacheable a web site is ?
A: A number of tools are available to help indicate how cacheable a site may be. One such tool can be activated fromour CachePilot site, cick here to continue.

Q: How can I improve the Cacheability characteristics of my web site ?
A: A technical paper covering these issues and more, has been written especially for web site authors and administrators and is available on: http://www.cachepilot.com/news/whitepapers.asp

Q: How easy are they to install and will my network by out of action?
A: Installing a CachePilot is a fairly straightforward process and can be done whilst everything else is operating. Find a suitable location on a communication cabinet or in the ICT suite and off you go. We recommend that a trained installer is used to install a CachePilot and configure it to operate on your network

Q: How much does a CachePilot cost?
A: The school price will be around £1100. Equiinet does not sell directly, but through content providers and other IT suppliers who provide a complete service including installation, and support. We can put you in touch with a local reseller.

Q: Will it run on my network?
A: CachePilot can be installed and will run on almost any type of network installation including peer to peer networks that do not have a file server. It can also be set up to store and serve copies of your CD Rom titles.

Q: My LA provides virus protection and web filtering for my school. Will the CachePilot affect these services?
A: All your services will continue as normal. CachePilot accesses the internet using the normal secure route that has been set up by your LA or ISP.. Filtering and Virus protection will continue as before. The main difference is that PCs look first at CachePilot for a web site or page and only if it has not been previously copied cached will it go out on the internet.