Plan the hosted cache server alongside its BranchCache clients

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.

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. Source reviewed September 8, 2026.