Efficiency of On-Path and Off-Path Caching Strategies in Information Centric Networks

Architectures for information-centric networks (ICNs), like CCN, propose simple on-path caching with LRU cache management for caching of data items in the network. We propose alternative strategies, based on off-path caching, which try to avoid redundant caching of data items to use cache space more efficiently. Based on a mathematical model for LRU and LFU cache management and a simulation, we analyze these strategies with respect to hit efficiency, delay, and power consumption and provide a competitive evaluation to asses the potential increase of energy efficiency with off-path caching.