BranchCache is a bandwidth-optimization feature introduce with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7. Each client uses a cache and acts as an alternate source for content that devices on its own network request. SCCM can use BranchCache to optimize network bandwidth during deployments.

What is BranchCache used for?

Microsoft BranchCache is a technology intended to cache central data to remote or branch offices in order to reduce network traffic and optimize Wide Area Network (WAN) utilization.

What is the difference between BranchCache and peer cache?

Peer Cache supports OS Deployment by default, but to have BranchCache supporting OS Deployment, you need to add BranchCache to WinPE using the free OSD Toolkit from 2Pint Software. This kit also includes an Alternate Content Provider (ACP) for BITS, that works very well with BranchCache.

What are BranchCache files?

BranchCache is a bandwidth-optimization feature that has been available since the Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 operating systems. … In Hosted Cache mode, designated servers at specific locations act as a cache for files requested by clients in its area.

What is BranchCache and how can it be used to optimize a network?

To optimize WAN bandwidth when users access content on remote servers, BranchCache fetches content from your main office or hosted cloud content servers and caches the content at branch office locations, allowing client computers at branch offices to access the content locally rather than over the WAN.

Is BranchCache enabled by default?

BranchCache is enabled by default. When the requirements for BranchCache are met, this feature enables clients in remote locations to obtain content from local clients that have a current cache of the content. … Other clients on the same subnet don’t have to download content from the distribution point.

What is BranchCache peer discovery?

It is a content caching and retrieval framework based on a peer-to-peer discovery and distribution model. It’s an open protocol. In the PCCR Discovery Protocol the peers looking for content are the WSD clients, sending out multicast WSD Probe messages with the hashes of the content.

What port does BranchCache use?

It is used for both Hosted and Distributed Cache modes. BranchCache-PeerDiscovery – allows the inbound and outbound traffic on UDP port 3702. This rule is only required when using Distributed Cache mode. BranchCache-Hosted Cache Client – allows the outbound HTTPS traffic on port 443 using TCP.

Can I disable BranchCache?

If you previously configured BranchCache but do not want the branch office clients to use cached content, you can disable caching on the storage system. … When you disable BranchCache, Data ONTAP no longer computes hashes or sends the metadata to the requesting client.

Can I delete BranchCache?

If you previously configured BranchCache but do not want the Vserver to continue providing cached content, you can delete the BranchCache configuration on the CIFS server. … Deleting the BranchCache configuration does not disrupt access by BranchCache-enabled clients.

Article first time published on

How does SCCM cache work?

SCCM client cache is location where it stores the packages on the client before any application runs from it. The default location for the Configuration Manager client cache is %windir%\ccmcache and the default disk space is 5120 MB.

How does SCCM peer cache work?

Peer Cache uses Boundary Groups to determine which peers are ‘local’ and will only attempt to find a peer Content Source if it is in a Boundary Group configured with a Slow Connection to the DP. Design peer cache to achieve SCCM Bandwidth Optimization for your organization’s network environment.

How do I disable BranchCache in SCCM?

In SCCM if you don’t want to use BranchCache there’s an option to turn it off within a deployment – just uncheck the box which says – ‘Allow clients to share content’ etc.

Why does BranchCache use port 80?

port 80 is fine for content retrieval from the webserver, that’s the default that Branchcache uses.

How do you implement BranchCache?

  1. In the following illustration, BranchCache is deployed in both modes.
  2. Step 01 – Configure Domain Server to use Windows BranchCache.
  3. Step – 02 Simulate a slow link to the branch office.
  4. Step – 03 Enable a File Share for BranchCache.
  5. Step – 04 Configure client firewall rules for BranchCache.

What is BranchCache what are its benefits?

BranchCache reduces both WAN traffic and the time that is required for branch office users to open files on the network. BranchCache always provides users with the most recent data, and it protects the security of your content by encrypting the caches on the hosted cache server and on client computers.

What is BranchCache in Disk Cleanup?

BranchCache is a wide area network (WAN) bandwidth optimization technology that is included in some editions of the Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 operating systems, as well as in some editions of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7.

Why would you choose to implement BranchCache in Hosted cache mode instead of distributed cache mode?

The BranchCache role can exist with other loads on a server. It has minimal CPU and memory overhead and tends to be disk bound (i.e., high disk I/O), so consider your disk layout when implementing it. If you don’t have a server at a location and can’t add one, use distributed mode.

What is the difference between distributed cache mode and hosted cache mode?

Distributed allows clients to request cached content from one another, while Hosted Mode centralizes the cache on a BranchCache server. Distributed Mode should be used when there are fewer than 50 clients on the branch office network.

How do I know if BranchCache is enabled?

The easiest way to check that BranchCache is actually working is right in the ConfigMgr Console! Head to “Monitoring” -> “Distribution Status” -> “Client Data Sources”. From there you can see where clients are downloading from based on Boundary Group. After BranchCache was enabled in my environment.

Does Windows 10 Pro have BranchCache?

BranchCache is a wide area network (WAN) bandwidth optimization technology that is included in some editions of the Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 operating systems, as well as in some editions of Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows 7.

Where does BranchCache store files?

BranchCache file location Clients will always store cache files + the hashes of those files that describe the data in the following location: C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\NetworkService\AppData\Local\PeerDistRepub.

What specific algorithm does DFS Replication use to replicate only the changes made in files?

DFS Replication uses a compression algorithm known as remote differential compression (RDC). RDC detects changes to the data in a file and enables DFS Replication to replicate only the changed file blocks instead of the entire file.

What is Windows DirectAccess?

Microsoft DirectAccess. “DirectAccess provides users transparent access to internal network resources whenever they are connected to the Internet.” DirectAccess does not require any user intervention or any credentials to be supplied in order to connect.

What is file and storage services?

“File and Storage Services includes technologies that help you set up and manage one or more file servers, which are servers that provide central locations on your network where you can store files and share them with users.

What command would you run to clear your computer's local BranchCache cache?

The Clear-BCCache cmdlet deletes all data in all cache files.

Can I delete SCCM cache?

The Windows System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is an incredibly useful tool in office settings. … These files are stored in the Windows CCM cache (also known as the CCMCache). This cache can be cleared manually or by using PowerShell command scripts.

Is it safe to clear Ccmcache?

You should not manually delete files in this folder as you may accidentally delete something which has not been used yet. You should definitely not remove the folder altogether, as this would break SCCM and you would cease to automatically receive software packages from your network administrator.

How do you configure SCCM client and Outlook or Outlook Express?

  1. In the Configuration Manager console, go to the Administration workspace, and select the Client Settings node.
  2. Select Default Client Settings. On the Home tab of the ribbon, select Properties.
  3. View and configure the client settings for each group of settings in the navigation pane.

How do I enable peer caching in SCCM?

  1. Navigate to Updates and Servicing under Administration and select Features.
  2. Right-click on Pre-release – Client Peer Cache and choose the option to Turn On.

What is SCCM Ledbat?

Low Extra Delay Background Transport (LEDBAT) is a way to transfer data on the Internet quickly without clogging the network. LEDBAT was invented by Stanislav Shalunov and is used by Apple for software updates and by BitTorrent for most of its transfers and by Microsoft SCCM software distribution points.