Abstract: Methods and apparatus for populating a network cache are described. A router associated with the cache is enabled to compile flow data relating to object traffic. The flow data are analyzed to determine a first plurality of frequently requested objects. The network cache is populated with the first plurality of frequently requested objects. Subsequent to populating the network cache, the network cache is operated in conjunction with the router to cache a second plurality of requested objects.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided by which a caching system may be populated quickly before its deployment. The techniques described herein employ a capability inherent in most routers to develop a working set of data objects which are then retrieved to populate the cache. The router to which the caching system is to be connected is configured to log information regarding the destinations from which network users are requesting information, i.e., net flow statistics. This information is then parsed to get a list of destinations corresponding to a specific port, e.g., port 80, or a group of IP addresses. These destinations are then sorted according to the frequency with which they are requested. The top N destinations are then selected for populating the cache. Cacheable objects from those destinations are then retrieved and stored in the cache.