Hi, Content caching is now a part of High Sierra. Content Caching used to be available only through MacOS X Server but has now been integrated into the regular MacOS experience. What does this do, you ask? Basically, it can considerably speed up downloads of certain updates and content from Apple, as well as reduce data usage. What happens is that if Content Caching is enabled on your Mac, when it or another device requests an update or related content from Apple, that content is downloaded to the Content Caching computer and distributed to the devices that request it. Therefore, the first time the content is requested, the speed is no different than any normal update or content access request, but any future requests for that same item no longer need to be downloaded from an Apple server as they are stored locally on a Mac in your home. This means that if you have a slower internet connection, or data limits from your ISP, the data is actually only downloaded once then redistributed locally from then on. If you have a fast, robust internal network, then the speed for updates and accessing other iCloud kinds of content is greatly increased.
The service is found in System Preferences, Sharing under Content Caching. There are some settings and other factors to be aware of. If the Mac that you enable Content Caching on is not on when the request is made, then the download will still need to come from Apple or some other Content Caching computer that is on your network. Also, these updates and other content are stored locally on the Mac, so if your Mac does not have a lot of space, this option may not be desirable. There are also settings that allow content to be cached across multiple subnets with the same public IP and the ability to share the load between multiple caching computers. In my case, I have a MacPro that is always left on in my house that is also connected via ethernet, so, all these updates are passed through it. I also use this service at work where I have multiple subnets and hundreds to thousands of devices wanting updates. It does an excellent job at reducing the bottleneck at the portal to the outside world. Check it out if you wish. Later... Tim Kilburn Fort McMurray, AB Canada -- The following information is important for all members of the Mac Visionaries list. If you have any questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators directly rather than posting on the list itself. Your Mac Visionaries list moderator is Mark Taylor. You can reach mark at: [email protected] and your owner is Cara Quinn - you can reach Cara at [email protected] The archives for this list can be searched at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
