Cache Invalidation Strategies Across Browser, CDN, and Server Layers

Authors: Althaf Khan Pattan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37082/IJIRMPS.v11.i2.233146

Short DOI: https://doi.org/

Country: United States

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Abstract: Modern web platforms rely on multiple layers of caching to reduce latency and offload origin servers, yet each additional layer introduces new failure modes for cache invalidation. When a browser cache, CDN edge node, API gateway cache, and application-level cache each hold independent copies of the same resource, a single data mutation must propagate correctly through all four layers or users receive stale content. This paper examines how cache invalidation operates across these four layers, classifies six distinct invalidation patterns by mechanism, scope, and consistency guarantees, and defines a coordination model for propagating invalidation signals from origin to edge. A staleness compounding formula quantifies worst-case exposure when invalidation is delayed or partially applied. Simulated evaluations compare TTL-only, event-driven, tag-based, and hybrid invalidation strategies across hit rate, latency, and staleness metrics. Results indicate that coordinated multi-layer invalidation reduces worst-case staleness windows by 60-85% compared to independent TTL expiration, though the operational complexity grows with each additional coordination point. The paper concludes with practical guidance on selecting invalidation strategies based on data volatility, consistency requirements, and infrastructure constraints.

Keywords: cache invalidation, CDN, browser cache, staleness, web architecture, cache coherence, distributed caching, TTL.

Paper Id: 233146

Published On: 2023-04-07

Published In: Volume 11, Issue 2, March-April 2023

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