Content Caching Methods in Named Data Networks

2026-05-13

AI Summary

This study addresses the critical impact of content caching efficiency on content delivery performance in Named Data Networking (NDN) by providing a systematic survey of caching algorithms designed for Information-Centric Networking (ICN). Through a structured classification framework, the work comprehensively reviews and compares existing NDN caching strategies in terms of their operational mechanisms, performance metrics, strengths, and limitations, thereby clarifying the appropriate application scenarios for each approach. The analysis not only establishes a theoretical foundation for designing high-performance caching mechanisms but also identifies promising directions for future research, offering clear academic guidance to the field.

Abstract

Information Centric Networking (ICN) is a new network architecture (Internet) that focuses on content rather than the end-hosts. Named Data Networking (NDN) is a specific implementation of ICN, which relies on the use of named data and a request-response model for content distribution. These Internet architectures are known for their ability to cache content at the network level. Many caching techniques have been designed as part of various ICN/NDN projects. Caching techniques help improve the content delivery performance by storing content in the router to meet future demand. In this survey, we provide a structured review of caching algorithms designed for ICN, with a particular emphasis on NDN. We first present a taxonomy of caching techniques, followed by a detailed discussion of the various methods. Alongside their working principles, we also summarize their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, we discuss the performance metrics commonly used in the literature to evaluate caching methods and outline directions for future research in this area.

Problem

• Content Caching
• Named Data Networking
• Information Centric Networking
• Caching Algorithms
• Network Caching

Innovation

• Named Data Networking
• Information Centric Networking
• Content Caching
• Caching Algorithms
• Network Architecture