METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING AND UTILIZING COMMON CACHE FOR INTERNETWORKS

摘要

An improved method and system are provided for accessing the most recent version of a data file of a requested data file downloaded from a source outside the dedicated network to the dedicated network. The object of the method and system of the present invention is achieved by the following description. A computer network is defined as being private to one or more other computer networks. One or more computers in the defined dedicated network are designated to constitute a "common cache." Copies of all data files entering the defined dedicated network from sources outside the defined dedicated network are cached in one or more computers that make up the defined “common cache”. In response to a request from a computer in the defined dedicated network for a particular data file originating from a source outside the defined dedicated network, a copy of the requested specific data file exists in the defined "common cache". Judgment is made regarding If it is determined that a copy of the requested specific data file exists in the defined "common cache", the most recent version of the requested specific data file existing in the defined "common cache" is obtained. If it is determined that a copy of the requested specific data file does not exist in the defined "common cache", the requested specific data file is obtained from a source outside the defined dedicated network.