Web proxy caching: the devil is in the details

ABSTRACT

Much work in the analysis of proxy caching has focused on high-level metrics such as hit rates, and has approximated actual reference patterns by ignoring exceptional cases such as connection aborts. Several of these low-level details have a strong impact on performance, particularly in heterogeneous bandwidth environments such as modem pools connected to faster networks. Trace-driven simulation of the modem pool of a large ISP suggests that "cookies" dramatically affect the cachability of resources; wasted bandwidth due to aborted connections can more than offset the savings from cached documents; and using a proxy to keep from repeatedly opening new TCP connections can reduce latency more than simply caching data.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.3 Group and Organization Interfaces
          Subjects: Web-based interaction

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.3 MEMORY STRUCTURES
      B.3.2 Design Styles
          Subjects: Cache memories

  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.5 On-line Information Services
          Subjects: Web-based services

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.2 Installation Management
          Subjects: Performance and usage measurement

General Terms:
Design, Measurement, Performance