Networking enhancements in Windows 8

Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 provide new features and resources when deployed
together. Many new features that IT pros love about Windows Server 2012 are optimized
for use with Windows 8 clients. In fact, many of the new improved management features in
 Windows Server 2012 can also be used from a local console only available in Windows 8.
Many redesigned features were available in Windows Server 2008 but have been reimagined
for the modern, expanding business needs.

BranchCache
BranchCache was first introduced in Windows Server 2008 as a way of caching content from
wide area network (WAN) web and file servers locally at branch offices. BranchCache greatly
reduces network traffic by accessing reused files from the local cache instead of the WAN.
BranchCache has been enhanced with new features in Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8
that far surpass its previous capabilities. Just some of its many improvements include  
the following:

•    Removed requirement for individual Group Policy Objects for each branch.
•    Automatically encrypted cached content.
•    New management options in Windows PowerShell.
•    New ability to preload content into cache before a client request.
•    Increased scalability through multiple Hosted Cache servers and improved database

performance.
BranchCache supports two cache modes: Distributed Cache mode and Hosted Cache
mode. Figure 3-6 displays the fundamental differences of each