A computing device includes an interface configured to interface and communicate with a dispersed storage network (DSN), a memory that stores operational instructions, and a processing module operably coupled to the interface and memory such that the processing module, when operable within the computing device based on the operational instructions, is configured to perform various operations. A computing device receives a data access request involving a set of EDSs associated with a data object that are distributedly stored among storage units (SUs) including first SU(s) coupled via a local network of the DSN and second SU(s) remotely located to the computing device and coupled via an external network of the DSN. The computing device caches within the at least one memory therein a subset of EDSs stored within the second SU(s) remotely located to the computing device and coupled to the computing device via the external network.