1 I NTRODUCING THE WEBCACHEThis chapter contains introductory information about the Webcache1000/3000 and how it can be used in your network. It covers summariesof hardware and software features and also the following topics: What is the Webcache? The Webcache and 3Com Network Supervisor Webcache — Front View Detail Webcache — Rear View Detail Default SettingsWhat 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.
