Netflix's Secret Streaming Boost: Mapping India's Hidden Cache Network
TL;DR - Netflix embeds caches (Open Connect Appliances) in Internet Service Provider (ISP) networks to store popular content locally. This reduces latency by serving streams directly from the ISP, avoiding long-distance internet transit. It improves streaming quality, cuts bandwidth costs for both parties (settlement-free), and handles high traffic efficiently—benefiting users with faster, more reliable viewing. Over 1,000 ISPs partner for this. Sounds interesting? Read on... In the fast-paced world of online streaming, where every second of buffering can feel like an eternity, Netflix has been quietly building an invisible empire of data caches across India. A recent tweet by tech journalist Aroon Deep (@AroonDeep) has pulled back the curtain on this network, revealing how many of these specialized servers—known as Open Connect Appliances (OCAs) —are embedded directly into local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in major cities. This setup isn't just tech...
