Abstract: A data access network system is described that includes a content server coupled to a plurality of proxy servers via an interconnect network. The content server store at least one content file. The data access network system also includes a system of maintaining content consistency between the content server and the proxy servers. The system includes a subscription manager in the content server that specifies all of the proxy servers that are subscribed to the content file. The system also includes a consistency manager that notifies all of the subscribed proxy servers that cache the content file to discard the cached content file from those proxy servers when the content file is updated in the content server. A method of maintaining content consistency between the content server and the proxy servers is also described.

Abstract: A cache system is described that includes a storage that is partitioned into a plurality of storage areas, each for storing one kind of objects received from remote sites and to be directed to target devices. The cache system further includes a cache manager coupled to the storage to cause objects to be stored in the corresponding storage areas of the storage. The cache manager causes cached objects in each of the storage areas to be replaced in accordance with one of a plurality of replacement policies, each being optimized for one kind of objects.