Web Protocols

This section explains the protocols that power modern web communication, including request/response models, secure transactions, proxy routing, and real-time interactions between clients and servers.

Protocol

Description

Use Case

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)

Foundation of data communication for the web. Uses request-response model over TCP.

Web browsing, REST APIs, content retrieval.

HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)

Encrypted version of HTTP using TLS. Protects data integrity and confidentiality.

Secure websites, online banking, e-commerce.

SOCKS (Socket Secure)

Proxy protocol that routes packets between client and server. Works at lower level than HTTP proxies.

Traffic tunneling, bypassing restrictions.

WebSocket

Full-duplex communication channel over a single TCP connection. Ideal for real-time data exchange.

Chat apps, live feeds, online gaming.

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication)

Peer-to-peer protocol for audio, video, and data streaming in browsers. No need for plugins or third-party software.

Video conferencing, P2P file sharing, browser-based calling.

RFC: RFC 9110 (HTTP/1.1), RFC 9114 (HTTP/3 via QUIC)

Main Features:

  • Stateless request-response protocol

  • Operates over TCP or QUIC (HTTP/3)

  • Supports standard methods (GET, POST, PUT, etc.)

  • Foundation of the modern web

Use Cases:

  • Web browsing

  • REST API calls

  • Static and dynamic content delivery

Alternative Protocols:

  • HTTPS – Encrypted version for secure transmission

  • WebSocket – For persistent, full-duplex communication

Let us learn more about HTTP:

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RFC: RFC 9110 + TLS (RFC 8446)

Main Features:

  • HTTP over TLS for encryption

  • Protects against eavesdropping and tampering

  • Authenticates servers (and optionally clients)

Use Cases:

  • Online banking, e-commerce

  • Secure login and authentication forms

  • API security and confidential data exchange

Alternative Protocols:

  • HTTP – For non-sensitive content

  • QUIC – Encrypted and optimized protocol for HTTP/3

Let us learn more about HTTPS:

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RFC: RFC 1928 (SOCKS5)

Main Features:

  • Works at session layer, not limited to HTTP

  • Supports TCP/UDP relaying

  • Can perform user authentication

Use Cases:

  • Bypassing regional blocks and firewalls

  • Enabling anonymous routing (e.g., with Tor)

  • Tunneling traffic for specific applications

Alternative Protocols:

  • HTTP proxy – Application-layer, web-specific

  • VPN – Encrypts all traffic at network level

Let us learn more about SOCKS:

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RFC: RFC 6455

Main Features:

  • Establishes persistent TCP connection after HTTP handshake

  • Full-duplex, low-latency communication

  • Reduces overhead compared to polling

Use Cases:

  • Live chat and messaging systems

  • Multiplayer online games

  • Collaborative tools and dashboards

Alternative Protocols:

  • HTTP long-polling – Less efficient

  • WebRTC – For P2P media/data communication

Let us learn more about WebSocket:

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RFC: RFC 8825–8832

Main Features:

  • Peer-to-peer connection for media and data

  • Supports NAT traversal (ICE, STUN, TURN)

  • Built-in media capture and encryption

Use Cases:

  • Browser-based video/audio chat

  • Secure P2P file sharing

  • Real-time collaboration

Alternative Protocols:

  • SIP + RTP – Traditional VoIP stack

  • WebSocket – For signaling or simple data

Let us learn more about WebRTC:

Jump to “WebRTC”