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Understanding HTTP Protocol Basics

HTTP is a client-server communication protocol that defines how web programs interact using TCP, supporting both persistent and nonpersistent connections. It specifies the formats for request and response messages, which include essential components like method, URL, and status codes. Additionally, proxy servers enhance efficiency by caching responses, reducing server load, and improving access speed.

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12 views13 pages

Understanding HTTP Protocol Basics

HTTP is a client-server communication protocol that defines how web programs interact using TCP, supporting both persistent and nonpersistent connections. It specifies the formats for request and response messages, which include essential components like method, URL, and status codes. Additionally, proxy servers enhance efficiency by caching responses, reducing server load, and improving access speed.

Uploaded by

nsbhavya83
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

HyperText Transfer Protocol

(HTTP)
Client-Server Communication
Protocol for the Web
Introduction to HTTP
• • HTTP defines how client-server programs
communicate over the web.
• • Client sends an HTTP request; server sends
an HTTP response.
• • HTTP uses TCP (port 80) and is connection-
oriented and reliable.
HTTP Request-Response Behaviour
• • Client sends an HTTP request to the web
server.
• • Server (e.g., Apache) processes and returns
an HTTP response.
• • The communication uses TCP as the
transport layer.

• [Insert Diagram: HTTP request-response


behaviour]
Web Documents
• • Static Documents: Fixed content stored on
the server.
• • Dynamic Documents: Created by server-side
programs upon request.
• • Active Documents: Executed on client-side,
e.g., Java applets.
Nonpersistent Connections
• • One TCP connection for each
request/response.
• Steps:
• 1. Client opens a TCP connection and sends a
request.
• 2. Server sends response and closes
connection.
• 3. Client reads data and closes the connection.
Persistent Connections
• • Server keeps the connection open for
multiple requests.
• • Reduces overhead of opening new
connections.
• • Closed on timeout or client request.
• • Sender includes data length with each
response.

• [Insert Diagram: Persistent Connection]


HTTP Message Formats
• Two types of messages:
• 1. Request Message
• 2. Response Message

• Both include:
• • Start line
• • Header lines
• • Blank line
• • Body (optional)
Request Message Format
• • Request Line: Method URL Version
• Example: GET /[Link] HTTP/1.1

• • Method: Defines type (GET, POST, etc.)


• • URL: Identifies web resource
• • Version: HTTP version (usually 1.1)
Response Message Format
• • Status Line: Version Status-Code Phrase
• Example: HTTP/1.1 200 OK

• • Version: HTTP version


• • Status Code: 3-digit code (200, 404, etc.)
• • Phrase: Text form of status code

• [Insert Diagram: Response Message Format]


Web Caching and Proxy Servers
• • Proxy server stores copies of responses for
recent requests.
• • Reduces load on original server and network
traffic.
• • Acts as both client and server.
• • Sends stored responses for repeated
requests.

• [Insert Diagram: Proxy Server Example]


Advantages of Proxy Servers
• • Faster access to frequently requested data.
• • Reduces bandwidth usage.
• • Enhances security and control.
• • Filters unwanted content.
Summary
• • HTTP is a client-server communication
protocol.
• • Uses TCP and supports persistent and
nonpersistent connections.
• • Defines request and response message
formats.
• • Proxy servers improve efficiency and speed.
References
• • Computer Networks – Behrouz A. Forouzan
• • Department Notes / Study Material

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