HTTP/2
HTTP/2 carries several HTTP exchanges on one TCP connection. Potential efficiency gains do not replace measuring actual page and server performance.
What is HTTP/2?
HTTP/2 is an HTTP version that allows several request-response exchanges on the same TCP connection. It uses separate streams and binary framing. RFC9113 also describes HTTP field compression and the continued dependence on TCP. The application meaning of HTTP requests is preserved.
Example: loading several portal resources
In a fictional portal, a browser loads page content, styling and other resources. A suitable HTTP/2 connection allows several exchanges to proceed at once. That does not automatically speed up a slow database query or an oversized image file.
Packet loss on the shared TCP connection can still hold up several streams. “Parallel” therefore does not mean complete independence of all transfers here.
The team checks the negotiated protocol version at the access point actually used and measures the relevant loading times. Where a proxy sits in front of the application, its connection to the application may be configured differently from the browser connection.
Sources
Related terms
- Hypertext Transfer ProtocolHTTP governs requests and responses between client and server. The method, status and content must fit the agreed application behaviour.
- Transmission Control ProtocolTCP provides applications with a reliable, ordered byte stream. That transport service does not confirm that a request was processed in the business workflow.
- HTTP/3HTTP/3 carries HTTP over QUIC. Benefits and reachability also depend on the network and endpoints; a universal speed improvement is not established.
- Return-PathReturn-Path records the SMTP reverse path in a header. It explains the technical route for error reports, not a person’s identity.
- Envelope-FromEnvelope-From identifies the SMTP sender for transport and error feedback. It must be distinguished from the visible sender address.
- DMARC aggregate reportA DMARC aggregate report summarises a reporting mail system’s domain checks over a period. It helps examine sending sources and misconfigurations.
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