BranchCache for Windows Server 2008 R2

Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

This topic provides information about the currently available BranchCache documentation. The following documentation is featured on this page:

  • BranchCache Learning Roadmap

  • BranchCache Overview

  • BranchCache Design Guide

  • BranchCache Deployment Guide

  • BranchCache Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate Distributed Cache Mode in a Test Lab

  • BranchCache Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate Hosted Cache Mode in a Test Lab

  • BranchCache Video: Installing a non-domain member BranchCache-capable file server

  • BranchCache Video: Part 1: Installing a non-domain member BranchCache hosted cache server

  • BranchCache Video: Part 2: Installing a non-domain member BranchCache hosted cache server

  • BranchCache Migration Guide

  • Network Shell (Netsh) Commands for BranchCache

  • BranchCache Security Guide

  • BranchCache Settings for Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 Enterprise, and Windows 7 Ultimate

  • BranchCache Troubleshooting

  • Additional BranchCache Resources

Warning

If you use BranchCache for SMB caching of files and folders, do not disable Offline Files. If you disable Offline Files, BranchCache SMB caching does not function correctly.

BranchCache Learning Roadmap

This learning roadmap provides you with links to prerequisite information you need to understand and deploy BranchCache, and also provides links to BranchCache information from level 100 to level 300. In addition there are links to optional information that will enhance your ability to expand and manage your BranchCache deployment.

Content availability

BranchCache Overview

BranchCache Overview, which is a topic in the BranchCache Design Guide, provides evaluation information about BranchCache, such as which operating systems support specific BranchCache features, BranchCache mode information, and the functionality provided by individual aspects of BranchCache.

Content availability

  • Available in HTML format in the Windows Server® 2008 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 Technical Library: BranchCache Overview.

BranchCache Design Guide

This design guide provides information about BranchCache in both distributed cache mode and hosted cache mode that assists you in determining the best way to deploy BranchCache on your network.

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BranchCache Deployment Guide

This deployment guide provides instructions on deploying BranchCache in both distributed cache mode and hosted cache mode, and allows you to deploy Hypertext Transfer protocol (HTTP), Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), and Server Message Block (SMB)-based content servers that are web servers, application servers, and file servers, respectively.

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BranchCache Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate Distributed Cache Mode in a Test Lab

This step-by-step guide provides instructions on how to deploy BranchCache in distributed cache mode in a test lab environment. To perform the steps in this guide, you need one computer that is running Windows Server 2008 R2 and three computers that are running either Windows® 7 Enterprise or Windows® 7 Ultimate.

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BranchCache Step-by-Step Guide: Demonstrate Hosted Cache Mode in a Test Lab

This step-by-step guide provides instructions on how to deploy BranchCache in hosted cache mode in a test lab environment. To perform the steps in this guide, you need two computers that are running Windows Server 2008 R2 and two computers that are running either Windows® 7 Enterprise or Windows® 7 Ultimate.

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BranchCache Video: Installing a non-domain member BranchCache-capable file server

This short video provides instructions on how to deploy a non-domain member BranchCache-enabled file server using Windows Server 2008 R2 and the File Services server role. To perform the steps in this guide, you need one computer that is running Windows Server 2008 R2.

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BranchCache Video: Part 1: Installing a non-domain member BranchCache hosted cache server

This two-part video provides instructions on how to deploy a non-domain member BranchCache hosted cache server using Windows Server 2008 R2.

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BranchCache Video: Part 2: Installing a non-domain member BranchCache hosted cache server

This two-part video provides instructions on how to deploy a non-domain member BranchCache hosted cache server using Windows Server 2008 R2.

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BranchCache Migration Guide

The BranchCache Migration Guide demonstrates how to migrate a server that is using BranchCache capabilities to another computer running Windows Server 2008 R2. Migration involves moving current BranchCache content, content identifiers, and registry settings from a source server to a destination server.

Content availability

  • Available in HTML format in the Windows Server® 2008 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 Technical Library: BranchCache Migration Guide.

Network Shell (Netsh) Commands for BranchCache

You can use commands in the Netsh BranchCache context to configure all aspects of BranchCache, including client and server components.

Content availability

  • Available in HTML format in the Network Shell (Netsh) Technical Reference in the Windows Server® 2008 and Windows Server® 2008 R2 Technical Library: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=156640.

  • Available at the netsh branchcache prompt in versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows® 7 that support BranchCache.

BranchCache Security Guide

This document provides guidance to help organizations understand and manage the security of the Microsoft® BranchCache™ feature introduced in Windows Server® 2008 R2 and Windows® 7.

Content availability

Available in Word format at the Microsoft Download Center: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=164447

BranchCache Settings for Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 7 Enterprise, and Windows 7 Ultimate

BranchCache Settings provides an overview of different BranchCache Group Policy, Local Computer Policy, and other settings that you can configure when deploying the technology.

Content availability

Available in HTML format in the TechNet Wiki: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=212758

BranchCache Troubleshooting

BranchCache Troubleshooting provides information on how to evaluate deployment and operational problems when you use BranchCache in either distributed cache mode or hosted cache mode. In addition, BranchCache Troubleshooting is published in the TechNet Wiki, which allows you to add your own BranchCache troubleshooting tips to the topic.

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Additional BranchCache Resources