What are the best practices for IIS optimization for serving static content?

1 Enable HTTP Compression

HTTP compression is a technique that reduces the size of the files that are transferred between the web server and the client. By enabling HTTP compression, you can save bandwidth, speed up page loading, and reduce server load. IIS supports two types of HTTP compression: static and dynamic. Static compression applies to files that are stored on the disk, such as static content. Dynamic compression applies to files that are generated on the fly, such as dynamic content. To enable HTTP compression for static content, you need to configure the <httpCompression> element in the web.config file or use the IIS Manager.

2 Configure Caching

Caching is another technique that improves the performance of your web server by storing frequently accessed files in memory or on disk. By configuring caching, you can reduce the number of requests that your web server has to process, and serve the files faster to the client. IIS supports two types of caching: output caching and kernel caching. Output caching stores the response of a request in memory or on disk, and serves it to subsequent requests without executing the handler. Kernel caching stores the response of a request in the kernel mode cache, and serves it to subsequent requests without involving the user mode. To configure caching for static content, you need to use the <caching> and <clientCache> elements in the web.config file or use the IIS Manager.

3 Use Content Delivery Network

A content delivery network (CDN) is a network of servers that are distributed across different locations and regions. By using a CDN, you can serve your static content from the server that is closest to the client, and reduce the latency and network congestion. A CDN also provides other benefits, such as load balancing, security, and reliability. To use a CDN for static content, you need to register with a CDN provider, and configure your web server to redirect the requests for static content to the CDN. You can also use the <rewrite> element in the web.config file or use the URL Rewrite Module to rewrite the URLs of static content to point to the CDN.

4 Minify and Bundle Files

Minification and bundling are techniques that reduce the size and number of files that are required for rendering a web page. Minification removes unnecessary characters and whitespace from the files, such as comments, line breaks, and indentation. Bundling combines multiple files of the same type into one file, such as CSS or JavaScript. By minifying and bundling files, you can decrease the file size, and reduce the number of HTTP requests and connections. To minify and bundle files, you need to use tools such as Web Essentials, Web Optimization Framework, or Visual Studio.

5 Enable HTTP/2

HTTP/2 is the latest version of the HTTP protocol that offers several improvements over HTTP/1.1, such as multiplexing, header compression, server push, and binary framing. By enabling HTTP/2, you can enhance the performance, efficiency, and security of your web server and client communication. HTTP/2 also supports serving static content more effectively, by reducing the overhead of HTTP headers, and allowing the server to push the files to the client before they are requested. To enable HTTP/2, you need to use a web server that supports HTTP/2, such as IIS 10 or later, and use a secure connection (HTTPS).

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?