Web Caching

[DavidB4910]

Hi guys,

I need to look in to the possibility of installing a web cache, as our internet speed is slow and we want to start running some online assessments. Has anyone got any recomendations of companies who could quote, supply and install them?

Cheers all.

These are the units of choice here in MK

http://www.equiinet.com/cachepilot/default.asp

Supported by http://www.3techsystems.co.uk

Good support from them in the past.

[Geoff]

An old box converted to Linux running squid is a cheap and cheerful option too.

[djm968]

Agree with Geoff.... the Equinet Cachepilot is just linux running Sqiud with a web based GUI. Why shell out $ when you can do the same thing yourself for nothing.

Squid is very easy to install on one of the main Linux distros and is usually included as a package.

[Geoff]

Also remember caching (although worthwile) will only get you so far. I'd also look at the connection you have been provided with. Perhaps the bandwidth and/or latency of it can be improved.

[Norphy]

There is the MS route to consider too. ISA server does internet caching and while it isn't free it isn't that expensive for schools, £149 per CPU from Ramesys at the moment.

[djm968]

Caching in ISA is not very configurable. ISA is far better as an edge firewall and if you need both ISA is a fair choice.

Having said that... Smoothwall is a Linux firewall and uses squid as a web cache!

[tom_newton]

If you don't want filtering, squid is fine - you could even use our (free) Express product, it can be configured without firewalling.