SQUID Proxy - Local Cache as the local storage (Mikrotik & Linux)

The solution consists of two parts.

• • Linux SQUID proxy server in transparent mode utilized as a parent proxy

• Mikrotik used for routing queries to the parent proxy cache

SQUID

Use common Linux distribution (e.g. CentOS) and install the SQUID application in it. In the topology SQUID must be located exactly in the main segment so that its IP addressing is in conformity with the Mikrotik addressing on the interface that is used towards Internet. This is important for the Mikrotik's communication with the Master parent proxy server.

SQUID configuration is simple and uses SQUID in the transparent mode. See the example of the configuration file:

The most important thing is to switch to the transparent mode.

Mikrotik

Simply adjust settings in your already configured Mikrotik Hotspot in the tab WebProxy (/ip/web proxy). Proceed as follows:

On the General tab, please set successively:

• • enable - tick on

  • Src. Address - delete the IPv6 address set by default and replace it with the IP address that is used by Mikrotik in the segment where the SQUID is located.  (parent proxy server)

  • Port - leave default 8080

  • Anonymous - tick on

  • Parent Proxy - IP address of the master SQUID 

  • Parent Proxy Port - 3128

Other options are not necessary to be set, they will not be used.

In sub-tab Cache add the following option to prevent local caching on Mikrotik to avoid plugging its memory:

• • add a new rule without attributes. The only attribute to change is the "Action" set as "Deny" 

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This manual describes how to configure Mikrotik as a parent proxy in transparent mode for In-Session service.

To follow this guide you need to have your Mikrotik unit configured based on our main manuals. This guide adds transparent proxy functionality.

Due to huge publishers demand for the In-Session feature we are sorry to announce we are not able to deliver this feature to all who are interested. Read more at In-Session implementation update

Setting the Proxy Service

Open your WinBox or another management tool you use to configure your Mikrotik unit. 

Start at "IP / Web Proxy Setting"

All the necessary settings can be done on the General tab. The first field you need to enable is Proxy Service. See the screenshot below.

You don't need to amend any other field as the internal cache memory is not used in this case. 

Web Proxy Settings

In Web Proxy Settings you can select which requests will be handled by parent proxy server and which ones will be released directly to the Internet.

As we want to redirect all requests to parent proxy server you don't need to set anything here and the list of rules will be empty.

Web Proxy cache

Now select General tab and under the Cache button set an empty rule with the "=deny" action. By that, none of the requests will be stored in RAM cache. That allows you to reduce the CPU usage of your Mikrotik unit.

If you are also interested in using local cache on your Mikrotik Device, disable this added rule and on the General tab set the destination (RAM / drive) for storing the data. You can also set the limits there. Before you do that, check your RAM / drive capacity. We do not recommend to use these settings. We do not provide any support if this is enabled. 

Transparent proxy

The last change you need to do is to enable transparent proxy. You can manage that at "IP / Hotspot / User Profile".

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With this tutorial you should be able to use the Local Cache as the local storage and thus to reduce data traffic and speed up the content loading from the Internet. The solution is using the Linux Proxy (SQUID) and using its cache for saving frequently requested files from the Global CDN (Content Delivery Network). The Linux Proxy (SQUID) should be in front of your wireless infrastructure. The essence of this solution is to use local resources to reduce data traffic and internet connectivity.

The solution consists of two parts.

• • Linux SQUID proxy server in transparent mode utilized as a parent proxy

• Mikrotik used for routing queries to the parent proxy cache

SQUID

Use common Linux distribution (e.g. CentOS) and install the SQUID application in it. In the topology SQUID must be located exactly in the main segment so that its IP addressing is in conformity with the Mikrotik addressing on the interface that is used towards Internet. This is important for the Mikrotik's communication with the Master parent proxy server.

SQUID configuration is simple and uses SQUID in the transparent mode. See the example of the configuration file:

The most important thing is to switch to the transparent mode.

Mikrotik

Simply adjust settings in your already configured Mikrotik Hotspot in the tab WebProxy (/ip/web proxy). Proceed as follows:

On the General tab, please set successively:

• • enable - tick on

  • Src. Address - delete the IPv6 address set by default and replace it with the IP address that is used by Mikrotik in the segment where the SQUID is located.  (parent proxy server)

  • Port - leave default 8080

  • Anonymous - tick on

  • Parent Proxy - IP address of the master SQUID 

  • Parent Proxy Port - 3128

Other options are not necessary to be set, they will not be used.

In sub-tab Cache add the following option to prevent local caching on Mikrotik to avoid plugging its memory:

• • add a new rule without attributes. The only attribute to change is the "Action" set as "Deny" 

• In the sub-tab Direct define domain (URL) for which you want to use the parent proxy. Other addresses will be inquired directly from the Internet. Add the following rules in the sequence they are listed (that is important!) With these settings (one rule per line):

  • Dst.Host = connect.socifi.com ; Action = Allow

  • Dst.Host = *.socifi.com ; Action = Deny 

  • Dst.Host = *.cloudfront.net ; Action = Deny

  • Dst.Host = *.amazonaws.com ; Action = Deny

  • Dst.Host = ; Action= Allow

Conclusion

It is possible to alternate the setting, use the administration above as the introduction into the SQUID solution

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