What is HTTP/3? Pros and Cons, Features & Capabilities

Today, the internet has become an integral part of life. We constantly read news on Telegram, watch videos on YouTube, and communicate with friends on Discord. But the more information we transmit, the heavier the load on networks becomes.

The one responsible for transmitting various content on the Internet is the HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) protocol, which has been diligently performing its duties since 1991 and gradually improving. And now, after decades, we have reached a new version - HTTP/3.

So what is HTTP/3, how does it differ from previous versions, and what are the pros and cons?

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What is HTTP/3?

HTTP/3 is the third major version of the HyperText Transfer Protocol, designed to revolutionise the way data is transferred over the web. Unlike its predecessors, HTTP/3 uses QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections), a transport protocol based on UDP (User Datagram Protocol). This move removes the reliance on TCP, which often caused delays due to its handshake-heavy nature and susceptibility to head-of-line blocking.

HTTP/3 makes data transfer faster and more efficient, especially in challenging network conditions. For example, if you are streaming a video or loading a web page, HTTP/3 ensures faster loading times and smoother playback, even if some data packets are lost. Its built-in TLS 1.3 encryption also enhances security, making it a robust choice for today's web applications.

Key Features of HTTP/3

Protocol based on QUIC

Previous versions used transport layer protocols UDP (User Datagram Protocol) and TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Fast Connection. QUIC allows establishing communication between the client and server almost instantly, which is crucial for applications requiring high speed.
• Multiplexing. Enables simultaneous transmission of multiple data streams within a single connection, contributing to faster loading of web pages in browsers.
• Encryption. Applied by default, allowing secure data transmission even in insecure networks.
• Congestion Control. Includes flow control algorithms that help manage data transmission speed, ensuring stable file transmission and preventing network congestion.
• Mobile Devices. Consume fewer resources for data transmission and enhance application performance through rapid connection establishment and efficient resource management.
• Open Source. QUIC is open-source, and any developer can utilize it.
• Extensions. Open for additional features later on.

Multiplexing

In previous versions of HTTP, the loss of a single packet could lead to head-of-line blocking, resulting in the blocking of the entire remaining stream. However, HTTP/3 does not limit the number of concurrently open streams, and the bloking of one does not affect others. The main benefits of multiplexing are:

• Improved Performance. Significantly reduces webpage loading times and decreases latency during data transmission.
• Resource Efficiency. Reduces the use of network resources for establishing and maintaining connections.
• Reliability. Parallel transmission of data streams makes web applications more resilient to failures and overloads.

Security

HTTP/3 always applies TLS 1.3 (Transport Layer Security version 1.3) - the latest version of the encryption and data protection protocol at the transport layer. This involves using a new mode of initial connection (TLS Handshake) with the Diffie-Hellman (DH) protocol, which provides additional security and protection against attacks. All sessions established using TLS 1.3 automatically provide Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), which helps protect previously encrypted traffic even if the key is compromised. The use of the Diffie-Hellman protocol reduces the set of ciphers, reducing the amount of transmitted data and the overhead of establishing a secure connection.

Disadvantages of HTTP/3

While HTTP/3 brings significant improvements compared to previous versions, it also has its potential limitations and drawbacks:

• Migration. Transitioning to HTTP/3 may require network and server infrastructure updates, which can be a complex and costly process.
• UDP Packet Blocking. UDP is considered less secure, which is the main reason why many firewalls block it, which leads to difficulties in configuring firewalls to prevent blocking of HTTP/3 requests.
• Limited Support. Not all servers and clients support HTTP/3, which may restrict the protocol's availability. Compatibility issues with existing security measures and debugging tools may arise.
• Increased Complexity. HTTP/3 is a more advanced protocol compared to previous versions, which can complicate its implementation and debugging. Additionally, there is much less available information about it compared to HTTP/2.

Conclusions and Perspectives: The Role of HTTP/3 in Future Web Development

HTTP/3 represents a significant advancement in the evolution of protocols. Not only it accelerates data transmission, making it more secure, but also opens up new possibilities for web developers. Major web services already support HTTP/3, and it is highly likely that the popularity and demand for this protocol will continue to grow.

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