Outlook 2013/2016: Types of connections to Microsoft Exchange

In this post, I would like to make out the types of Microsoft Outlook 2013/2016 connections to the Microsoft Exchange Server 2016, depending on the type of mailbox (personal, archive, shared or Public Folders).
There are 2 main types of connections: cached and online. The online mode is simple, but the cache mode is more complex. To learrn more what is Cached Mode go to TechNet.

Connection Type Comparison Table

Mode		Personal Mailbox	Online Archive	Shared Mailbox	Public Folders (Favorites)	Public Folders (Other)
Online	Real Mode	Online	Online	Online	Online	Online
	Session Type	Foreground	Background	Background	Background	Background
	Icon	ONLINE WITH: MICROSOFT EXCHANGE	ONLINE	ONLINE	ONLINE	ONLINE
Cached (Shared - | Public Folders +)	Real Mode	Cached Exchange Mode	Online	Online	Cached Exchange Mode	Online
	Session Type	Cache + Foreground	Background	Background	Cache	Cache
	Icon	CONNECTED TO: MICROSOFT EXCHANGE	ONLINE	ONLINE	CONNECTED	ONLINE
Cached (Shared + | Public Folders +)	Real Mode	Cached Exchange Mode	Online Mode	Cached Exchange Mode	Cached Exchange Mode	Online Mode
	Session Type	Cache + Foreground	Background	Cache + Foreground	Cache	Cache
	Icon	CONNECTED TO: MICROSOFT EXCHANGE	ONLINE	CONNECTED	CONNECTED	ONLINE

What information can be cached

• Personal mailbox
• Shared mailbox (only when the function "Download shared folder" is enabled)
• Public Folders (only when the function "Download Public Folders Favorites" is enabled and folder is in Favorites)
• Global Address List

What information can not be cached

• Online Archive
• Free/Busy
• OOO
• Editing rules
• MailTips
• Policy Tips

Notes on connection status (icon) at the bottom of the Outlook window

CONNECTED (TO) - cached mode; the mailbox's data is cached and will be available when connection to server is lost.



ONLINE (WITH) - online mode, the mailbox's data is not cached, so it will not be available when connection to server is lost.