Step-by-Step Guide to Configure Branch Cache on Windows Server

Step 1: Install Required Roles and Features

Open the Server Manager, navigate to the ‘Add roles and features’ option, and follow these actions:

1. Launch Server Manager on your machine.
2. Select ‘Add roles and features’.
3. In the Server Roles section, expand ‘File and Storage Services’.
4. Under ‘File and iSCSI Services’, check the box for BranchCache for Network Files.
5. Proceed to the Features step and install the BranchCache feature.

Pro Tip: Ensure you have existing shared files and folders for proper functionality.

Step 2: Create an Organizational Unit in the Domain Controller

Next, we will create an Organizational Unit (OU) to manage BranchCache settings effectively:

1. Access the Domain Controller and open Server Manager.
2. Select ‘Tools’ and then click on ‘Active Directory Users and Computers’.
3. Right-click on your domain and select ‘New > Organizational Unit’.
4. Name this OU, such as “BranchCache Users” or “BranchCache Object”.
5. From the Computers tab, move the BranchCache-enabled server into this newly created OU.

Step 3: Configure a Group Policy Object (GPO)

Creating a GPO will help propagate BranchCache settings across your OU:

1. Return to Server Manager and select ‘Tools’ > ‘Group Policy Management’.
2. Right-click on the OU and choose “Create a GPO in this domain, and link it here.”
3. Name the GPO, such as “BranchGPO”.
4. Edit the new GPO and navigate to Computer Configuration > Policies > Administrative Templates > Network > Lanman Server.
5. Enable Hash Publication for BranchCache and allow high publication for all shared folders.

Step 4: Validate Folder Properties and User Access

It’s crucial to ensure that users have the correct access to the folders shared:

1. On the server where BranchCache is installed, locate the shared folder.
2. Right-click, open ‘Properties’, and go to the ‘Sharing’ tab.
3. Select ‘Advanced Sharing’, then ‘Permissions’.
4. Remove ‘Everyone’ and add ‘domain user’ with Full Control access.
5. Check effective access in the Security tab to confirm user permissions.

Step 5: Restart the Server and Enable BranchCache

To finalize the setup, reboot and enable BranchCache:

1. Open Server Manager and navigate to ‘Tools’ > ‘Computer Management’.
2. Select ‘Shared Folders’ > ‘Shares’, find your shared folder, and right-click ‘Properties’.
3. Under ‘Offline Settings’, check ‘Enable BranchCache’ and save the changes.

Next, return to the Domain Controller, edit the group policy created earlier, and enable either Set BranchCache Distributed Cache mode or Set BranchCache Hosted Cache mode.

Last, use PowerShell to verify the installation:

get-bcstatus

The output will confirm that BranchCache is configured and operational.

What issues might arise with BranchCache?

Can BranchCache be disabled once enabled?