Multiple requests for the same page increase network traffic and slow things down. If you configure your browser to use a proxy, your request goes to the proxy. If it is not already there, the proxy server fetches the page for you or asks another proxy server to get it. After passing the page on to you it keeps a copy in its cache for a certain amount of time so that other requests for it can be handled quickly. Implications of Network Charging Network charges for transatlantic traffic began on the 1st August 1998, so it is important that unnecessary use of the link to America is avoided.
Web Caches are one way to reduce traffic while still allowing access.
Computing Services has recently extended it's cache service to provide two styles of access. However, if for any reason the National Cache cannot fetch the page, you will receive an error message. Fetching such pages may generate a charge which will be shared between users of the cache. All machines in central computing labs are configured to use the free cache. In addition network access from these labs may be restricted to prevent direct access to web servers.