We have a Linux server that reads files from a network drive and processes them. In a common scenario, a user will log in and access the same files over and over again. The size of the files varies but the larger ones can be around 50+ Mb. The files seldom change.

I was wondering if it's somehow possible to transparently cache the files. I don't want (or can) change the program the reads the files, nor do I control the protocol by which the files are accessed. I just want something to detect that I access a certain path, copy the file locally (if needed) and then read the file from the local drive.

I've read about Bcache but can't figure out if it's what I need.

Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks, Vadim.