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Reference · Networks & transport

Cache-Control: IPTV reference

Cache-Control is an HTTP header used to express caching directives for a response or request. Correct behaviour depends on the resource and service design. Live playlists, static artwork and private account responses can have very different freshness and storage requirements.

Illustrated networks & transport guide

What does Cache-Control mean?

Cache-Control is an HTTP header used to express caching directives for a response or request. Correct behaviour depends on the resource and service design. Live playlists, static artwork and private account responses can have very different freshness and storage requirements.

Why it matters

A viewer's app-cache clear does not purge every upstream delivery cache. Repeated refreshes also do not rebuild the original media. Identify whether the stale item is an image, guide entry, catalogue or actual video. The operator may need to inspect headers and resource freshness. Avoid assuming that all caching is bad for live delivery or that one public rule suits every account-bearing response.

A practical example

An old poster can remain visible while the current programme plays correctly. That is a different problem from a live playlist no longer advancing, even if both are described casually as a cache issue.

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Related terminology: Buffer underrun, Captive portal.

For practical setup and troubleshooting, browse the journal or support guides.

Further reading

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