ISPPlanet Cache Review Series - CacheFlow 545

Balancing Simplicity vs. Volume
Forwarding panels configure ICP, Gateway, DirectDeny, and WCCP parameters (see Designing Your Cache Network). These panels use a rather unique methodology to balance GUI simplicity against parameter complexity and volume configuration. In all but the simplest case, you will need a web server to manage the CacheFlow. Instead of presenting tables as forms or modal windows, the CacheFlow displays and uploads independently-edited config files via HTTP.

For example, ICP configurations can be complex, involving over a dozen commands, each with many varied parameters. Instead of a cluttered GUI, the CacheFlow uses a single panel (right) to view a config file located on a web server, install that file, view the last-parsed source file, or view current settings. Although no sample file is provided, one can be constructed from the excellent figures, descriptions, and examples found in on-line help. One word of caution: be sure to configure your admin browser to request new content every time.

ICP panel

Routing tab

This hybrid methodology is applied consistently throughout. Other examples include Maintenance panels for Routing (left), RIP, Filter List, Bypass List, and Error Pages. At first we found it slightly annoying that we had to edit a file just to add a static route. But we soon came to appreciate this approach. We'd rather edit a file than deal with the buggy Java applets that often result when GUIs become overly complex.

Files allow better version control and facilitate volume or batch changes. Config statements can be searched easily and patterned after default files. Incomplete configs can be caught by a parser. In several cases, CacheFlow supports both Global and Local files (for example, global and local bypass lists), enabling distributed administration. Is reasonable to require a web server for administration of complex parameters? Our verdict: the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.

Introduction/The Platform	> Predictive Caching
Four-Step Setup	Controlling Cache Services
Designing Your Cache Network	Viewing Cache Performance
Managing the CacheFlow <	Advanced Monitoring
Balancing Simplicity vs. Volume	Product Support/Final Thoughts