Microsoft has officially announced the general availability of Microsoft Connected Cache (MCC), a built-in Windows feature designed to reduce internet bandwidth usage by storing Microsoft content locally within an enterprise's network. This development marks a significant step forward for organizations aiming to optimize their network resources while ensuring efficient content delivery.
As enterprises increasingly adopt cloud-native approaches to device management, the demand for internet bandwidth has surged. Traditional on-premises distribution points are being phased out, leading to scenarios where devices download updates directly from Windows Update over the internet, causing network congestion. MCC addresses this challenge by caching content from Microsoft content delivery networks (CDNs) locally within an organization's premises. This includes content from Windows Update, Microsoft Store, Windows Autopilot, Intune, and Microsoft Defender updates.
Once enabled, MCC automatically downloads and stores content requested by devices on the network. Subsequent devices receive the same content from the local cache, minimizing internet usage and download redundancy. Notably, MCC only caches content that has been previously requested by devices within the same organization and does not prefetch data or act as a proxy.
MCC is included with Windows 10 version 2004 and later, as well as Windows 11, and does not require additional software installation. The feature leverages Delivery Optimization (DO) as its download protocol and is managed via Microsoft Intune or Group Policy. Microsoft has confirmed that MCC is available for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, Education, and Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education editions. However, it is not supported on Windows Server editions or Home editions.
The requirements for implementing MCC include systems running Windows 10 version 2004 (or later) or Windows 11, with Delivery Optimization enabled. Devices must be on the same physical network as the MCC host, which should be a device running Windows 10 or 11 with at least 8 GB RAM and 100 GB of available disk space. The feature is enabled and managed through Microsoft Intune, using the "Delivery Optimization" settings, and the group policy is applied via the "Enable Microsoft Connected Cache" policy. Microsoft has also published deployment guidance and performance monitoring tips on its documentation site.
Initially, MCC was available only through Microsoft Connected Cache server software for ISPs and large enterprises. The general availability version now provides the same functionality without requiring separate server infrastructure. Microsoft has indicated that MCC is intended for use in branch offices, school labs, and other locations with limited or costly internet bandwidth.
To ensure that only authorized devices can access cached content, MCC uses network boundary identification and security tokens. Cached content is encrypted and cannot be accessed directly without the proper DO request headers.
The introduction of MCC offers several benefits to enterprises:
- Bandwidth Optimization: By caching content locally, MCC significantly reduces the need for devices to download the same content from the internet multiple times, thereby conserving bandwidth.
- Improved Update Delivery: Devices receive updates faster from the local cache, enhancing the overall user experience and ensuring timely application of critical updates.
- Cost Efficiency: Reducing internet bandwidth usage can lead to cost savings, especially for organizations with metered or limited bandwidth connections.
- Simplified Management: Integration with existing Windows infrastructure and management tools like Intune and Group Policy simplifies deployment and ongoing management.
- Hardware Requirements: The MCC host device must meet specific hardware requirements, including sufficient RAM and disk space, which may necessitate hardware upgrades in some environments.
- Network Configuration: Proper network configuration is essential to ensure that devices can communicate effectively with the MCC host and that the cache functions as intended.
- Security Measures: While MCC includes security features, organizations must ensure that their network security policies and practices are aligned to prevent unauthorized access to cached content.
Source: Redmondmag.com Microsoft Connected Cache Now Available for Enterprise Use -- Redmondmag.com
