HTTP

• Specification:
  • 1.0: http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc1945/rfc1945
  • 1.1: http://www.w3.org/Protocols/rfc2616/rfc2616.html

HTTP is an acronym for Hyper-Text Transfer Protocol. It is the standard method by which your web browser communicates with web servers via the internet. HTTP is encapsulated in TCP packets, guaranteeing delivery. In a multimedia technology context, HTTP is often used as a lowest common denominator for delivering multimedia content. HTTP packets are invariably allowed to pass through firewalls and connections operate from client -> server using TCP. More advanced, multimedia-specific networking protocols operate using UDP and make other requirements regarding firewalls which make their operation more complicated, but flexible by contrast.