Re: [squid-users] Interaction of Squid and Browser Cache

Norbert Hoeller wrote:
> I implemented squid 3.0 on a home system largely to help reduce Internet traffic (I am forced to use a 3G/cell-based connection that has high excess bandwidth charges). I used the default configuration - the only major changes were defining a 4GB cache and adding ACLs to block ad sites.
>
> Squid appears to be running well (no complaints from users). I am surprised at the high "Hits as % of bytes sent" - I often see 60 minute values in the 10-20% range and I have seen higher values. I would have expected relatively little overlap between destinations visited by the users, most users are only using one browser (IE8 or Firefox 3) and they rarely clear their browser cache. I definitely see the same user requesting the same object (a JPG) and having squid deliver it from cache.
>
> I never argue with success, but would like to understand how squid appears to be so much better than the caching provided by the browser.
> Thanks, Norbert
>
> PS. Great work not only on the squid code but also on the extensive documentation!

Not certain. But I suspect it has something to do with small browser
caches. The defaults I've seen on client boxes are usually in the MB
ranges. Large enough for a few dozen flash media videos and little else.
Your 4GB in Squid could be making up the difference.

10%->20% is a bit low. The ideal range is 40%+ for regular proxies. 10%
is on par with ISP using non-optimal object caching or without enough
cache storage to meet their users traffic load.

Amos

-- 
Please be using
   Current Stable Squid 2.7.STABLE7 or 3.0.STABLE20
   Current Beta Squid 3.1.0.15