24 CHAPTER 1: WEB CACHING CONCEPTS AND DEPLOYMENTWhat is theWebcache?The SuperStack ® 3 Webcache 1000 and 3000 are high-performance,easily configurable webcache appliances. They offer the followingbenefits to your network: Reduced Network TrafficThe Webcache locally stores frequently accessed Web content andquickly serves it to the end user on demand. This reduces the amountof traffic on the WAN, providing significant cost benefits by reducingthe bandwidth requirement on expensive WAN links. Reduced Web LatencyThe end user receives Web content more quickly and with greaterquality of service if it is served from a local, high-speed Webcachethan if it is served from the Internet. Web object requests that have totravel over long distances are limited to the speed and capacity of theslowest link in the path. A Webcache that is closer to the clientmachines reduces the potential for slow links and dropped datapackets. Smoother Traffic FlowTraffic surges can stress your network and server. The Webcache canhelp smooth out network traffic and reduce delays in serving Webcontent. As more users request the same Web content, it becomesmore likely that the content will be stored in the Webcache, and inturn the Webcache becomes more effective at eliminating upstreamtraffic. Controlled Web AccessThe Webcache allows you to control which client machines in yournetwork can access the Internet, and which Web sites can beaccessed. Access Logs show you who has used the Internet and wherethey have been.The Webcache and3Com NetworkSupervisorThe latest version of 3Com Network Supervisor is supplied on theCD-ROM that accompanies the Webcache. 3Com Network Supervisorprovides powerful, intuitive network management for small to mediumenterprise networks. It automatically discovers network devices andreports network activity, stress monitoring and performance metrics fornetwork managers. This information helps to provide the most efficient,cost-effective use of network resources.dua1611-5aaa04.book Page 24 Friday, November 29, 2002 8:56 PM
