HTTP2 Protocol: What Is And Its Benefits

HyperText Transfer Protocol Version 2, or HTTP2, is the first major update to HTTP in 15 years, check top benefits & advantages here

By Claudio Pires
Updated on May 29, 2023
HTTP2 Protocol: What Is And Its Benefits

HyperText Transfer Protocol Version 2, or HTTP2, is the first major update to HTTP in 15 years, check benefits & advantages. The previous protocol standard, HTTP/1.1, has been in use since 1997 and uses a mix of clunky workarounds to improve on the limitations of HTTP. It is based on SPDY (“speedy”), an open-source experiment started by Google to address some of the issues and limitations of HTTP/1.1

What Is HTTP2 And How Does It Work?

Whenever you click on a link to visit a site, a request is made to the server. The server answers with a status message (header) and a file list for that website. After viewing that list, the browser asks for the files one at a time. The difference between HTTP 1.1 and HTTP/2 lies in what happens next.

Say you want a new LEGO set. First, you go to the store to buy your LEGO. When you get home, you open the box and look at the instructions, which tell you what to do: one brick at a time. So for every brick, you have to look at the instructions to see which brick to use next.

The same for the next brick, and so on. This back-and-forth keeps happening until you have finished the entire LEGO set. If your set has 3,300 bricks, that’ll take quite a while. This is HTTP1.1.

With HTTP/2 these changes. You go to the store to pick up your box. Open it, find the instructions and you can ask for all the bricks used on one section of the LEGO set. You can keep asking the instructions for more bricks, without having to look at the manual. “These bricks go together, so here they are.” If you want it really quickly, you could even get all the bricks at once so you can build the set in an instant.

HTTP2 Protocol To Proceed More Tasks

HTTP/2 has many cool features that can help speed up your loading times. The most important one, of course, is full multiplexing, which means that multiple requests can happen simultaneously over a connection that stays open for the duration of the transfer process.

Another cool thing is Server push; this starts as one request but when the server notices the HTML requires several assets, it can send these all at once without asking. This might be a good fit for your site, but that depends on certain factors too complex to go into here.

Like I said earlier, with HTTP1.1 a browser requests a site -> server sends a header back -> that header contains a status message and HTML body -> for every file needed to build the site, a single connection has to be opened and closed repeatedly.

If a piece of this puzzle acts up it can hold up the rest, slowing the process down even further. This is called head-of-line blocking and it sucks big time. This is one of the many reasons why HTTP1.1 could use an update.

HTTP2 And Its Benefits For SEO

We need speed. Site speed has been an SEO ranking factor for years. Now, with the introduction of the mobile-first index, Google will take a critical look at the loading speed of your mobile site. Sites have only gotten bigger over the past few years, and big sites have lots of assets like HTML, JavaScript, CSS, images and so on, which all mean longer loading time.

Another big issue is latency, especially on mobile devices. The longer your latency is, the longer it takes for your request to reach the server and for the server to send back the response. That’s why you should always use a CDN to reduce the time it will take to get your files to your readers from the location nearest to them.

While browsers can handle a small number of multiple connections. Which in itself, adds additional time to the whole ordeal, the process of sending stuff back and forth doesn’t change.

There are some things you can do to improve site speed by fine-tuning how your server handles these things, but at its core, HTTP1.1 isn’t a very efficient process. HTTP/2 makes this process much easier for servers and browsers to manage, drastically speeding things up. Keep in mind that the advent of HTTP/2 does not retire HTTP1.1. As browsers will still use the old protocol as a fallback.

Using HTTP2 Protocol

Implementing HTTP/2 is fairly easy and your server may be already using it. Test it using the tool on the HTTP2.Pro site. Ask your hosting provider to see what your options are. Also choose a Content Delivery Network, also known as a CDN, that offers a full HTTP/2 solution.

If you want to implement HTTP2, you’ll also need an HTTPS connection. If you haven’t got one, get an SSL certificate at Let’s Encrypt. To secure your connection so you can upgrade to HTTP2. HyperText Transfer Protocol Version 2, or HTTP2, is the first major update to HTTP in 15 years, check benefits & advantages.

Top 10 Advantages: HyperText Transfer Protocol Version 2

  1. Multiplexing and Concurrency: HTTP/2 allows multiple requests and responses to be sent simultaneously over a single connection. Reducing latency and improving the overall loading speed of your website.
  2. Stream Prioritization: Enables prioritization of resources. Allowing critical assets to be loaded first results in faster and more efficient rendering of your web pages.
  3. Header Compression: HTTP/2 compresses request and response headers. Reducing the amount of data that needs to be transferred, which in turn decreases the loading time of your website.
  4. Binary Protocol: Uses a binary format for data transmission. Making it more efficient and less error-prone compared to the textual format used by HTTP/1.1.
  5. Server Push: HTTP/2’s server push feature allows the server. To proactively send resources to the client’s cache before they are in needs. Further improving the loading speed of your web pages.
  6. Reduced Latency: Multiplexing, header compression, and stream prioritization features work together to minimize latency. Ensuring a smoother and faster browsing experience for your users.
  7. Improved Security: HTTP/2 is often used with encrypted connections (HTTPS). Enhancing the security of your website and protecting sensitive user data.
  8. Better Resource Utilization: Efficient use of network resources leads to lower server load and bandwidth consumption. Which can result in cost savings for website owners.
  9. Enhanced Mobile Performance: HTTP/2’s features. Such as reduced latency and improved resource prioritization. Are particularly beneficial for mobile users, who often experience slower connections and higher latency.
  10. Future-Proofing Your Website: Adopting HTTP/2 ensures that your website stays up-to-date with the latest web technologies. Providing a solid foundation for future improvements and optimizations.

HTTP2 Protocol Benefits Advantages Conclusion

The domination and supremacy of HTTP/2 in the cyber world are inevitable. The application protocol looks set to carry the legacy of HTTP1.x. That changes the cyber world with revolutionary data transmission capabilities.

HTTP/2 succeeds its predecessors with technological superiority far greater than the innovation gap. That HTTP1.x established against traditional data communication mechanisms back then.

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.