How I optimize my home lab part 1 - http cache

My personal Pick

This is my cache of choice. It’s based on Squid, it’s solid, and I’ve been using it for years — works like a charm. In my experience, it’s at its best when paired with a Mikrotik router, because together they make network traffic smoother and caching more effective.

What is RaptorCache?

RaptorCache is a dynamic web cache designed to save bandwidth and make internet access faster on your network. It acts as a middleman between your users and the internet, storing copies of files that people download, stream, or update.

Here’s how it works:

• The first time someone downloads a file or watches a video, RaptorCache grabs it from the internet and saves a copy locally.

• The next time someone else requests the same file, RaptorCache delivers it instantly from the local cache instead of fetching it again.

The result:

• Faster speeds for your users

• Lower internet usage and costs

Unlike older caching systems that depend on plugins or manual setup, RaptorCache is self-adapting. It automatically detects and caches large, static files like:

• YouTube videos

• Software updates (Windows, antivirus, etc.)

• Online game downloads and patches

To keep things simple, RaptorCache also includes a WebPanel, which lets you:

• Monitor cached content in real time

• Check hit/miss statistics (how often files were served from cache vs downloaded)

• Manage cache size and storage rules

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🌍 Common Use Cases

RaptorCache shines in places where lots of people access the same content over and over again:

• Schools and Universities
  Students often stream the same videos or download the same study resources. RaptorCache speeds things up while saving the school’s internet bandwidth.

• Gaming Cafés and eSports Arenas
  Game updates can be massive. Instead of every PC downloading the same patch individually, RaptorCache stores one copy and serves it to all, saving hours of waiting.

• Internet Cafés
  Popular downloads like browsers, apps, or video content are instantly available from cache, giving customers a smoother browsing experience.

• Small ISPs and Community Networks
  Bandwidth can be expensive. By caching high-demand files locally, ISPs can deliver faster service to their customers while cutting down on upstream costs.

• Offices and Organisations
  When staff update their systems or use cloud-based apps, cached content ensures updates and common files don’t keep draining the internet line.

How RaptorCache Fits Into Your Network

Looking at the diagram, here’s the flow:

1. Internet → Modem Router

   • The modem router brings internet into your network.

   • IP: 192.168.0.1

2. Modem Router → Mikrotik Router

   • The Mikrotik handles traffic management, firewall rules, and routing.

   • It connects to both the internet (192.168.0.2) and the local network (192.168.1.1).

3. Mikrotik → RaptorCache

   • The Mikrotik forwards requests to RaptorCache when it detects content that can be cached.

   • RaptorCache’s IP in this setup: 192.168.10.2.

   • If the content is already cached, RaptorCache serves it directly.

   • If not, it fetches it from the internet, saves a copy, and delivers it to the user.

4. Mikrotik → Switch → User Devices

   • The Mikrotik passes the data (from cache or internet) to the switch.

   • The switch distributes it to user devices (PCs, laptops, etc.) with addresses like 192.168.1.6, 192.168.1.10, etc.

References:

• https://www.raptorcache.org/
• https://www.raptorcache.org/raptorcache-modo-paralelo-mikrotik/