What is cache memory?

The cache memory is an essential component in computer systems. It is a high-speed memory close to the processor whose main purpose is to improve system performance.

When running programs on a computer, the processor needs to access data and instructions stored in main memory (RAM). However, the access speed to main memory is slower compared to the processing speed of the processor. This is where the cache memory comes into play.

The cache memory stores copies of the most recently used data and instructions in main memory. Thus, when the processor needs to access a piece of data or an instruction, it first searches the cache. If the data or instruction is in the cache, faster access occurs, which speeds up system performance by reducing the time spent waiting to access main memory.

Cache memory is organized into different levels, such as L1, L2 and L3, depending on its proximity to the processor. The L1 level is the closest and fastest, while the L3 level is larger but slower. These cache levels form a hierarchy, where the processor looks first at the L1 level, then at the L2 and finally at the L3, if necessary.

Memcached

At SWHosting we use the Memcached system in our Cloud servers with SWPanel license to reduce the load on the databases and improve the performance of the applications, although it must be activated (we will explain it later).

Memcached is a high-performance distributed caching system that uses RAM to speed up access to frequently accessed data in web applications and other computing environments. Its main purpose is to reduce the load on database systems by caching the results of frequently accessed queries or data.

It works by assigning a unique key to each set of data stored in the cache. When an application needs to access a piece of data, it first searches the cache using the corresponding key. If the data is in the cache (a "cache access"), it is retrieved quickly, thus avoiding the need to perform a slower read from an underlying data source, such as a database.

An important feature of this system is its high horizontal scalability. It can be distributed across multiple servers, allowing for increased storage capacity and access concurrency. In addition, Memcached is compatible with multiple programming languages and frameworks, making it easy to integrate into different development environments.

How do I activate the Memcached system in my Hosting services?

All new Cloud servers with SWPanel and Linux Debian v.11 or higher have the possibility to activate the Memcached system.

To get this great performance improvement in your Hosting services you must follow this manual.