apt-zeroconf

If you are looking for an automatic and peer-to-peer solution for apt caching, then apt-zeroconf is what you need. It is a distributed apt-cacher for local networks that solves the problem of having to configure a single centralized server for every machine in the network. Instead, apt-zeroconf allows you to share your apt package cache with everyone in the LAN, making it much easier to download Debian packages without having to worry about bandwidth or network constraints.

With apt-zeroconf, your network no longer has to be configured for a proxy or a centralized server. Even if the network is down or if you are in a different network, apt-zeroconf seamlessly fetches packages from the internet or a caching daemon that is available in the LAN.

Apt-zeroconf consists of two parts: a http server and the avahi-related stuff. The http server works as an http proxy when you are using it with apt, and it can also act as an http server if used in fake-mirror-mode. Avahi, on the other hand, is used to notify everyone else in the LAN that you have an apt-zeroconf caching service installed and running.

Configuration of apt-zeroconf is done automatically by installing it. However, you can disable it through debconf and configure it to your liking. If you want to use Proxy Mode, you simply add a line to your /etc/apt/apt.conf. This mode caches every mirror listed in your sources.list. For Fake Mirror Mode, you can change your /etc/apt/sources.list and select specific mirrors to be patched through apt-zeroconf.

Overall, apt-zeroconf is a powerful and convenient tool for local network caching. It provides an automatic and peer-to-peer solution that eliminates the need for a centralized server, making it easy for everyone in the network to share apt packages without any hassle.