Internet caching - sizing and placement for dynamic content

Traffic volumes on the Internet continue to increase, with the same links carrying the same data multiple times. In-network caching can alleviate much of the redundant traffic by storing popular items close to the users. This was a master thesis project that involved building on existing research and simulators, simulating a multi-level hierarchical network cache system and its resulting performance, with varying parameters such as placement and sizing of the individual cache nodes. One of the goals of the thesis work was to improve and integrate the simulation frameworks used as a starting point. Another goal was to run simulations with the improved framework and shed light on how a high Quality of Experience (QoE) can be achieved within this kind of cache system, varying the input parameters. An improved and integrated simulation framework was produced, including improved visualization capabilities. Using this improved simulation framework, the behavior of the cache system was studied, in particular how the system behaves with static and dynamic cache sizing approaches. Conclusions drawn are e.g. that the dynamic sizing approach deployed can be a good way to achieve a high QoE. Finally, future research opportunities are identified