What Is Edge Cache?

Edge Cache is a performance-enhancing feature provided by BionicWP that utilizes a global network of edge servers to deliver cached pages and static assets for your WordPress sites. By serving content from servers closest to your visitors, Edge Cache significantly improves page load times and reduces server load.​

BionicWP's Edge Cache operates by caching your site's content across a network of over 28 Points of Presence (PoPs), including four origin datacenters and more than 24 edge datacenters. When a visitor accesses your site, the content is served from the nearest edge server, resulting in faster delivery and improved user experience.​

Key Benefits:

• Improved Performance: Serving content from the nearest server reduces latency, leading to faster page load times and better Time to First Byte (TTFB).​

• Reduced Server Load: By handling requests at the edge, the load on your origin server decreases, enhancing overall site performance.​

• Increased Availability: Edge Cache provides graceful failover, ensuring your site remains accessible even during origin server issues.​

• Compatibility: Edge Cache is compatible with dynamic content and popular eCommerce platforms like WooCommerce, ensuring that dynamic requests are handled appropriately.​

Enabling or Disabling Edge Cache

1. Log into your BionicWP dashboard at my.bionicwp.com.​

2. Navigate to the Sites section and select the desired site.​

3. In the site dashboard, locate the Edge Cache option.​

4. Toggle the checkbox to enable or disable Edge Cache as needed.​

Purging Edge Cache

1. Within the site dashboard, scroll to the Edge Cache section.​

2. Click on the Purge Edge Cache button to clear the current cache from the edge servers.​

Note: Purging the cache will temporarily affect performance as the cache rebuilds. Use this feature sparingly.​

Checking Edge Cache Status

To verify if Edge Cache is active:

• Use your browser's developer tools or run the following command in your terminal:​

  curl -LI https://your-example-domain.com 

• Look for the x-ac response header. Possible values include:​

  • HIT: Content served from Edge Cache.​

  • MISS: Content not found in Edge Cache.​

  • EXPIRED: Cached content has expired.​

  • UPDATING: Cache is being refreshed.

  • BYPASS: Edge Cache is disabled.​

Important: When logged into the WordPress admin area, Edge Cache is bypassed to ensure you see real-time changes.​

Pro Tip: Regularly monitor your site's performance metrics to assess the impact of Edge Cache and make informed decisions about caching strategies.