# Plan the hosted cache server alongside its BranchCache clients

> What must be included when deploying BranchCache in hosted-cache mode?

- Canonical URL: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-20260908-074-plan-the-hosted-cache-server-alongside-its-branchcache-clients/
- Publisher: Detection Systems & Engineering (DSE Security)
- Author: DSE Security Editorial Team
- Published: 2026-09-08T18:15:57+00:00
- Modified: 2026-09-08T18:20:22+00:00
- Last reviewed by DSE: 2026-09-08
- Resource type: Guide
- DSE priority: Information
- Topics: IT, Networks & Infrastructure
- Reading time: 1 minutes

## What you need to know

What must be included when deploying BranchCache in hosted-cache mode?

## Potentially affected

Use this review after choosing hosted-cache mode for a supported BranchCache deployment.

## DSE recommendation

Create a responsibility map covering the cache host, client configuration, source content, and existing branch connectivity.

## Article

## Source facts

Microsoft’s hosted-cache design requires both branch clients configured for that mode and a hosted cache server at the branch. Choosing a shared server and cache allocation depends on its workload, hardware, and branch size. The guide does not provision the branch WAN, DHCP, read-only domain controller, or VPN service. [Microsoft documentation](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/core-network-guide/cncg/bc-hcm/1-Deploy-Bc-Hcm).

## Applicability

Use this review after choosing hosted-cache mode for a supported BranchCache deployment. Identify the branch, clients, content sources, and proposed cache host. Check client and server release requirements before following the historical deployment example.

## DSE recommendation

Create a responsibility map covering the cache host, client configuration, source content, and existing branch connectivity. Have the server owner approve the cache allocation and any cohosted workload. Record which network prerequisites are already provided and which remain unresolved. Keep initial content preparation and client rollout coordinated in one deployment record.

## Verification

Test access to representative content from the selected clients and inspect the intended cache host. Record workload and capacity observations on that host during the exercise. Check that the client configuration matches the chosen mode. Resolve missing prerequisites or unexpected resource contention before extending the deployment to another branch.

## Official references

[Microsoft Learn: Deploy BranchCache Hosted Cache Mode](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/core-network-guide/cncg/bc-hcm/1-Deploy-Bc-Hcm). Source reviewed September 8, 2026.

## Primary reference

- Name: Deploy BranchCache Hosted Cache Mode
- Authority: Microsoft Learn
- URL: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/networking/core-network-guide/cncg/bc-hcm/1-Deploy-Bc-Hcm
- Source publication date: Not stated by the source

## Citation and use

Preferred citation: “Plan the hosted cache server alongside its BranchCache clients,” DSE Security, https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-20260908-074-plan-the-hosted-cache-server-alongside-its-branchcache-clients/
Publishing principles: https://update.dsesecurity.com/updates/dse-updates-editorial-methodology/
Usage and citation policy: https://update.dsesecurity.com/usage/
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