Improving Speed and Security of Our Projects with HTTP/3 + QUIC

At Axiacore, we are always looking for ways to optimize and secure the platforms we build for our clients. This week, we are pleased to announce the implementation of HTTP/3 with the QUIC protocol, an upgrade that promises to significantly improve both the speed and security of our digital solutions.

What is HTTP/3?

HTTP/3 is the new version of the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), which is the foundation of the web. Unlike its predecessors, HTTP/3 operates over QUIC (Quick UDP Internet Connections), a transport protocol developed by Google. QUIC, unlike TCP, uses UDP to offer faster and more secure connections.

Benefits of HTTP/3 + QUIC

• Improved Speed: HTTP/3 reduces latency, which means faster load times for users. This is achieved through more efficient and faster connections, avoiding the bottlenecks associated with TCP.
• Enhanced Security: QUIC incorporates encryption from the start, improving the security of connections without the need for additional configurations. This protects the integrity and confidentiality of data in transit.
• Stable Connections: QUIC better handles network changes, such as switching from a Wi-Fi network to mobile data, keeping the connection active without interruptions. This is crucial for a smooth and frustration-free user experience.

Impact on our clients' platforms

The adoption of HTTP/3 + QUIC will allow our clients to enjoy a faster and more secure user experience. Whether you are managing an online store, an educational platform, or a business application, you will notice a significant improvement in performance and data protection.

Steps to activate HTTP/3 in Nginx

If you want to activate HTTP/3 on your Nginx server, here are the steps:

1. Update Nginx: Make sure you have the latest version (1.25.5) of Nginx that supports HTTP/3.

sudo apt update
sudo apt install nginx

2. Configure Nginx: Edit the Nginx configuration file (usually nginx.conf or in /etc/nginx/sites-available/).

http {
    ...
    # Enable HTTP3
    http3 on;
    http3_hq on;
    quic_retry on;

    # Additional configuration

    server {
        listen                      *:443 ssl;
        listen                      *:443 quic reuseport;
        listen                      [::]:443 ssl;
        listen                      [::]:443 quic reuseport;

        add_header                  Alt-Svc 'h3=":$server_port"; ma=86400,h3-29=":$server_port"; ma=86400';

        # Additional configuration
    }
}

2. Ensure port 443/udp is open: for this example, we will use a UFW command

sudo ufw allow 443/udp

3. Restart nginx:

sudo systemctl restart nginx

Our Commitment

At Axiacore, we understand that technology advances rapidly and we are committed to staying at the forefront. Implementing HTTP/3 with QUIC is just one example of how we continuously seek the best solutions to keep our platforms not only operational but also exceptional.
We are excited about the benefits this upgrade will bring to our projects and, above all, how it will enhance the experience of our end users. The future of the web is now, and at Axiacore, we are ready to lead the way!

Thank you for trusting us to build the digital future!