Final answer:
To reduce peak CRL request rates, implementing caching, utilizing delta CRLs, and employing an OCSP responder are effective strategies. These methods lessen the load on CA servers and make the revocation checking process more scalable.
Step-by-step explanation:
To reduce peak Certificate Revocation List (CRL) request rates, you can implement various strategies. A common approach is to use caching where the CRLs are temporarily stored on the client side or in a proxy server which helps in reducing the frequency of CRL requests made to the Certificate Authority (CA). Another method is the utilization of delta CRLs, which are typically smaller than the complete CRL and contain only changes since the last full CRL issuance. This can cut down the bandwidth used as well as the peak load on the CA's servers. Lastly, employing an Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) responder can offload the traffic from CRLs, as it can verify the revocation status of certificates in real time and handle higher volumes of requests more efficiently.