Connection Notes

Short notes on HTTPS, browsers, and everyday network connections.

What a certificate confirms

When a browser connects over HTTPS, it checks the hostname, validity period, and certificate chain. A successful check confirms the identity of the service at the other end of the connection. Evaluating the content still requires attention to its source.

HTTP/2 and connection reuse

HTTP/2 lets several requests share a connection and reduces repeated connection setup. Actual performance still depends on network conditions, server response time, and the content being transferred.

Investigating a connection problem

Distinguish DNS resolution, the TLS handshake, and the HTTP response. Record the time, device, and network, then compare another site on the same connection before drawing a conclusion from a single speed test.

Further reading: TLS 1.3 and HTTP/2.