How to Start Live Streaming | Beginners Guide

Model	Description	Example
Subscription-based	Businesses generate revenue through the monthly or yearly subscription fees viewers pay to access a set of videos.	Netflix Hulu Disney+ Amazon Prime
Transaction-based or pay-per-view	Businesses generate revenue through the rental or purchase fee viewers pay for a particular video they want to watch.	YouTube Google TV Apple TV
Advertising-based	Businesses generate revenue through showing ads to viewers when watching video.	YouTube Facebook Watch Twitch

What Is a Router? | How Does a Router Work?

Whether you’re at home or the office, your router plays a critical role in providing essential internet connectivity needed for work, entertainment, and communication. When issues arise or it’s time for an upgrade, it can be daunting to know where to begin. In this article, we’ll help you gain a comprehensive understanding of your router. You will discover how to avoid and resolve frustrating network issues, sluggish internet speeds, and security vulnerabilities, and choose the right router for your needs.What Is a Router?A router is a central hub that enables the seamless sharing of resources—like servers, printers, networks, and internet connections—between multiple devices. Routers play a vital role in efficiently managing the transfer of data between devices within a local network and across different networks.Consider the router you might have in your apartment or home. It connects your devices, like your laptop or smartphone, to the internet, thus allowing you to browse websites, stream videos, and download files. Without it, your devices would not be able to communicate with the broader internet.In an office environment, a router’s role becomes even more critical. In addition to providing internet access to multiple devices, a router can also facilitate the sharing of resources, such as servers and printers. Imagine you’re at your office desk, and you’ve just finished a report that you need to print. When you hit print on your computer, it’s the router that makes a pathway for your file to travel from your computer to the printer in the network, ensuring that your file reaches the correct destination and is printed out as you intended.What Is a Router Used For?A router facilitates data transfer between devices or can forward data to another router. Routers connect devices on a local network, allow them to communicate and transfer data. They enable devices to access the internet or external networks via a single connection point. Routers also allow connection and exchange of data between networks in different geographical locations. For example, a router can connect a regional or remote office to the head office.How devices physically connect to a routerIn addition to data transfer between networks, routers can perform other functions, which are indispensable tools for network management, security, and resource sharing.DHCP server: A router often includes an integrated DHCP server, which can be enabled to automatically assign and manage IP addresses for devices joining the network. This streamlines the process of connecting new devices and ensures efficient allocation of IP addresses within the network.Firewall protection: The majority of routers are equipped with inbuilt firewalls, serving as a robust defense against malware and other threats. These firewalls safeguard the network and its connected devices from unauthorized access and malicious activities.VPN services: Some routers have the capability to support virtual private network (VPN) connections. By enabling VPN services on the router, users can access secure, private connections without the need to install VPN applications on individual devices. This enhances privacy and security for data transmissions across the network.File server: Some advanced routers, such as the Linksys E3200 and E4200, are equipped with a USB port that supports the connection of external drives. This feature effectively transforms the router into a file server, enabling shared access to files and resources within the network or over the internet.How Does a Router Work?Routers function as data traffic controllers, directing and forwarding data packets between devices or networks with precision and efficiency. Upon receiving a data packet, the router identifies the destination IP address from its header and consults its routing table—a comprehensive list of paths to various network destinations—to determine the most efficient route for data transfer.By evaluating factors like speed, reliability, and network congestion, the router ensures that the data packet is forwarded through the best available path. This intelligent decision-making process enables the router to optimize the data transfer process, resulting in swift and accurate delivery to the intended recipient across the interconnected network landscape.How to Set Up a RouterSetting up a router is typically a straightforward process, especially with the user-friendly apps or web-based dashboards provided by most manufacturers for home or small office routers. However, for larger networks and commercial routers, advanced networking skills may be required. Though specific steps may differ between routers, the following basic steps apply to most models:Gather information. Determine the default IP address, username, and password for your router. The information often is available on a sticker under the device, in a manual, or on the manufacturer’s website.Connect the router. Connect the computer’s LAN port to the router’s WAN port using an Ethernet cable. Note that most WAN ports on a router have a different color from the LAN ports.IP address configuration. If the router’s DHCP server is enabled, it will automatically assign a unique IP address to your computer. Otherwise, manually configure your computer with an IP address on the same network. For example, if the router’s IP is 198.168.1.1, assign your computer 192.168.1.2.Access router settings. Open a web browser and type the router’s IP address in the address bar. Then, enter the provided username and password. For example, for a Linksys E1200 router, use 192.168.1.1 as the IP address, and “admin” for both the username and password.Configure router settings. Navigate to the Administration page and modify the LAN IP, admin username, and password. Download and update the router’s firmware for optimal performance.Wireless network setup. On the Wireless page, customize the name of the wireless network or service set identifier (SSID), and enable encryption such as WPA2-PSK. Ensure you create a strong and unique Wi-Fi password.Customization. Explore other pages to tailor the router’s settings to your specific requirements, such as port forwarding, quality of service (QoS,) and parental controls.Save settings. After making the necessary adjustments, save your settings. This may cause the router to restart in order to apply the changes.Key Components, Features, and Capabilities of RoutersRouters are smart devices, equipped with components including a CPU, memory, storage, and interface ports, enabling them to manage network traffic efficiently and perform logical functions.CPU: The central processing unit executes and processes router commands. Its speed dictates how quickly the router processes commands.Read-only memory (ROM): This storage contains the power-on self-test (POST) script, crucial for router startup or restart. It also contains password recovery software and retains its content even after power loss or restart.RAM: The random-access memory provides temporary storage for the files running on a router. Unlike the ROM, the RAM loses its content when the router loses power or restarts.Flash memory: The memory stores the router’s operating system and other files. Flash memory retains its content even after powering off the router, and allows for easy replacement and updating of files.Ports: Routers feature various ports to connect to different networks and devices. Commonly, routers have at least one WAN port for connecting to a modem or ISP, as well as LAN ports for local area network connections. Wired routers may have multiple LAN ports, while most wireless routers have four ports. Some routers also have dual WAN ports, allowing for backup connections via USB wireless modems or Ethernet in case of failure.Quality of Service (QoS): QoS is a crucial control mechanism that allows users to prioritize critical applications by dedicating adequate bandwidth. Doing so prevents performance degradation resulting from other network activities. For instance, with QoS, you can ensure that video calls or online games maintain stable connections, even when other users engage in bandwidth-intensive tasks like streaming media.Firewall and VPN features: Some routers come with built-in firewall and VPN capabilities, providing an extra layer of protection for devices on the local network. This eliminates the need to install firewall hardware or VPN apps on individual devices, streamlining security measures for the entire network.Router Operating SystemThe router operating system (OS) manages and controls router resources and processes. It is loaded during router startup and remains operational until the device is powered down. The OS plays several key roles, including executing programs, controlling input/output operations, allocating resources, and managing file systems. Most commercial and enterprise-grade routers run on the vendor’s proprietary operating systems.In addition to vendor-specific OS options, there are generic, open-source, and premium router operating systems available. These versatile alternatives can be deployed across several brands of small office/home office (SOHO) Wi-Fi devices or x86 computer-based routers.Popular router operating systems include:Cisco IOS: This is a monolithic router operating system where all files run on a single image, and the processes share the same memory. However, one drawback of this approach is that if one service fails, it may lead to a system crash, and a bug in one process can impact other processes. Additionally, introducing new features or services may require upgrading the entire IOS image.Jupiter JUNOS: This modular OS is based on FreeBSD, with processes running as separate modules in protected memory spaces. Unlike monolithic OS designs, the modular approach ensures that a bug in one process will not affect the OS. In addition, adding new features can be accomplished without a full upgrade.Cisco IOS XR7: This modular-based OS overcomes the limitations of the monolithic IOS by providing a simple, flexible design that is easy to program. The Cisco IOS XR7 offers faster boot times, consumes less memory, and supports both access-level and core devices.Router ProtocolsRouting protocols serve as the rules and algorithms that routers use to determine the optimal path for reaching a destination. These protocols play a critical role in how routers identify one another and how data reaches its destination across a network. However, the routing protocols themselves do not move the information; instead, they update the routing table to facilitate efficient router communication.Depending on the specific application and network requirements, a router may implement one or more routing protocols.Routing Information Protocol (RIP): RIP is designed to facilitate information sharing among routers when moving data across a group of LANs. It imposes a maximum limit of 15 hops, which can restrict its effectiveness in supporting larger networks.Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (IGRP): IGRP defines the process of exchanging routing information between gateways or edge routers within an independent network. Other network protocols can then use this information to establish how to route traffic effectively.Open Shortest Path First (OSPF): OSPF is a highly scalable protocol that dynamically calculates the best routes for data packets as they move through interconnected networks. This makes it particularly suitable for large, complex networks.Border Gateway Protocol (BGP): BGP is responsible for routing packets on the internet by facilitating the exchange of information between edge routers. Internet service providers (ISPs) use BGP to share routing information between different networks, ensuring network stability by rapidly switching to alternative network connections if the current one fails before packets reach their destination.Routing Table: Static and Dynamic RoutingThe routing table plays a crucial role in determining the best routes to all destinations within a network. When a router forwards data, it consults the routing table to determine the optimal path to the intended destination. Routing table information can be populated in two ways: through manual entry (static routing) or automatic updates (dynamic routing.)Static RoutingIn static routing, the paths between two routers are manually configured and cannot be updated automatically. If there are changes on the network side, the routing table must be manually updated to reflect the new paths. Static routing offers enhanced security, simplicity in design, and ease of implementation. It is ideal for smaller and less complex networks where changes occur infrequently.Dynamic RoutingConversely, dynamic routing automatically updates the routing table, adapting to changes in the network. When a change occurs, like a failure or new connection, the affected routers exchange information, and algorithms are used to calculate new routing paths. The routing table is then updated accordingly. Dynamic routing is particularly suitable for larger and more complex networks where frequent changes occur. However, due to the automatic updates and potential exposure to network changes, dynamic routing is considered to be less secure than static routing.Router Bands: Single, Dual, and Tri-BandWireless routers come in a range of configurations, including single, dual, or tri-band models, each offering unique advantages to meet network needs. The number of bands in a router directly impacts its performance, flexibility, and ability to handle multiple devices simultaneously.Single-band router: This type of router operates on a single 2.4 GHz band and is suitable for smaller networks with fewer than ten devices. While it provides basic connectivity, its limited bandwidth may lead to congestion and interference, especially in areas with numerous Wi-Fi networks.Dual-band router: Dual-band routers offer both a 2.4 GHz and a 5.0 GHz band. The presence of two bands allows for improved performance compared to single-band routers, accommodating more devices and reducing network congestion. Older devices can connect to the 2.4 GHz channel, while newer and faster devices utilize the 5.0 GHz channel, mitigating interference and ensuring smoother data transmission.Tri-band router: A tri-band router boasts one 2.4 GHz band and two 5.0 GHz bands, making it ideal for power users and more demanding network environments. With the additional band, it can support a higher number of devices without compromising network performance or speed. Moreover, users have the option to dedicate a band to specific devices, further minimizing interference and optimizing performance.Selecting the appropriate type of router depends on factors like the size and location of the network, the number and compatibility of the devices, and the desired level of performance. While tri-band routers provide the highest performance and flexibility, they may be costlier and unnecessary for smaller networks or those with older devices primarily running on the 2.4 GHz band. For most applications, a dual-band router strikes a balance between performance and affordability, catering to the needs of the majority of users.Main Types of RoutersDifferent types of routers are each optimized for a particular application and location. Some can only support home or small office networks. High-performance, commercial routers can forward several gigabytes of data per second and are suitable for data centers and other high-traffic applications. Here are some of the most common router types:Core routers: Core routers are designed to deliver maximum bandwidth, connecting multiple routers and switches within large networks. They are used by cloud providers, high-traffic communication service providers, and organizations with extensive networks and multiple locations. Core routers operate within the organization and do not connect to external networks.Edge routers: Positioned at the edge of the network, edge routers act as gateways, connecting the core router to external networks. They are high-bandwidth devices supporting many end-user devices.Mesh router: Mesh routers offer improved wireless coverage by deploying multiple Wi-Fi transmitters throughout an area. They work as a single network, allowing seamless expansion and enhanced coverage.Virtual router: Virtual routers are software-defined and operate via the cloud, providing similar functionality to physical devices. Virtual routers offer low entry costs, easy scalability, flexibility, and reduced local network hardware management, making them ideal for large organizations with complex network requirements.Wired routers: Wired routers use Ethernet or fiber cables to connect devices to the internet, local or external networks. They feature WAN ports and several LAN ports to connect servers, computers, and network switches, expanding the local area network.Wireless routers: Wireless routers use wireless radio signals to connect compatible devices to the local area network or the internet. They typically have WAN and LAN ports, along with a wireless radio, enabling devices to access the internet and local and external networks.Distribution routers: Distribution routers receive data from edge routers through physical cables and distribute it to end users via Wi-Fi connections. The router also comes with additional Ethernet ports to connect additional routers, switches, or user devices physically.VPN router: VPN routers provide hardware-level protection for all devices on the local network, ensuring enhanced privacy and security for data transmission.Wired vs. Wireless RoutersWired and wireless routers have distinct characteristics in terms of device connectivity and transfer data. The key differences lie in how devices connect to them and the means through which data is transmitted.Wired routers are equipped with physical WAN and LAN ports, and devices can connect to them using Ethernet cables. These routers require devices to have a wired connection for data transfer. They are typically more robust and suitable for larger networks, offering reliable and stable connections. Due to their design and capabilities, wired routers are often more expensive and physically larger than their wireless counterparts.In contrast, wireless routers not only have WAN and LAN ports for wired connections but also include a wireless adapter that allows devices to connect wirelessly via radio signals. This wireless capability provides greater flexibility and convenience, enabling devices to connect without the need for physical cables. Wireless routers are often smaller, more affordable, and commonly used in home and small office networks, where wired connections may not be feasible or convenient.Most wireless routers are small, cheap, and designed for home and small office networks. They support both wired and wireless connections. Wired routers are large, expensive devices that can support large networks.Differences Between Routers and ModemsRouters and modems serve distinct functions and play different roles in network connectivity.ConnectivityA router connects multiple devices within a network, managing the flow of data between different networks or multiple devices in a local area network. On the other hand, a modem connects devices or a local network to external networks, including the Internet.Internet AccessWhile a modem connects a single device or local network to the internet or external network, a router allows multiple devices to access the internet using a single modem. A router distributes the internet signal to all connected devices within its network, enabling simultaneous access.Data ConversionA modem functions as a data converter, converting digital signals from the router into analog signals before sending them to the internet. Similarly, it converts analog signals from the internet into digital form before forwarding them to the router. In contrast, a router does not provide any conversion; it solely focuses on managing data flow and directing network traffic.Router Security Vulnerabilities and SolutionsRouters are prime targets for cybercrime due to their significant role in network connectivity and data flow. Default or weak passwords, unpatched firmware, lack of encryption, misconfigurations, and other security flaws in routers are vulnerabilities exploited by criminals to gain unauthorized access to a computer network.Once compromised, attackers can install malware on computers, reroute traffic, steal data, or disable the router and the entire network. In early 2022, a security researcher exploited vulnerabilities in routers and servers to disconnect North Korea from the internet.How to Reduce Router Security RisksUnderstanding router vulnerabilities helps address them before adding the router to your network. To reduce router security risks and enhance network protections, consider implementing the following measures:Check vendor security. Before adding a router to your network, research the vendor’s track record in addressing security vulnerabilities. Choose a vendor known for promptly releasing updates and patches to address known issues.Use strong passwords. Create strong and unique administrator and Wi-Fi passwords. Change the default IP address, username, and password to further secure router access.Enable strong encryption. Utilize strong encryption to secure data transmitted through the router and prevent unauthorized network access. Choose the highest standard of encryption supported by your wireless router.Update router firmware. Regularly update router firmware to improve security, connectivity, and performance. Manually update the firmware during the initial setup and then enable automatic updates to keep the router up-to-date.Unique SSID. Use a unique, nondescript SSID for your wireless network to avoid identifying your organization and personal information. This prevents attackers from associating you with the network.ConclusionRouters play a crucial role in modern networks, enabling seamless communication and resource sharing. Whether for individual users or large organizations, routers provide the backbone for internet connectivity and data transfer. Given the diverse range of routers available, it is essential to carefully consider your specific needs before making a purchase. By understanding the various features, capabilities, and potential associated security risks, you can select the most suitable router for your network requirements and take necessary precautions to minimize security vulnerabilities.Gcore’s Virtual Private Cloud utilizes virtualized routers to create private networks within our cloud and public-private interconnections with the user’s other infrastructure. You get outstanding connectivity, an isolated and protected network for your servers, and flexible subnet management using private address ranges. Discover the powerful routers that Gcore uses in our blog post.Get started with VP Cloud for free.

Why is HTTP not secure? The difference between HTTP and HTTPS

HTTP, also known as Hypertext Transfer Protocol, serves as a language for your browser and web server to communicate over the internet. Every action on the Internet, from searching for recipes to online equity trading—you can do it thanks to HTTP data transfer. Although it is good to know how important HTTP is for successful data communication on the World Wide Web, it has one significant flaw: it is not secure. That’s where HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) comes into play. HTTPS is a secure protocol that uses encryption to protect the data transmitted between your browser and the server.In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the differences between HTTP and HTTPS. Additionally, you’ll learn about the basics of HTTP and why it is not secure. By the time you finish reading, you will fully understand the importance of using HTTPS to secure your website and application.Key points about HTTPHTTP is a communication protocol. It enables the exchange of information between clients and servers over the internet, using a request-response model where the client (typically a web browser) sends an HTTP request to the server, and the server responds with an HTTP response.For example, once you visit a website and type the URL in the browser, the browser sends an HTTP request to the server, which then sends back the requested web page.HTTP is a stateless protocol. The protocol itself does not retain any information about previous requests—it doesn’t “remember” at end points and therefore each request from the client is treated as new. That being said, services using HTTP require the ability to associate multiple requests from the same browser and cookies function as unique identifiers stored in browsers to help applications retrieve session data.For example, when you bypass entering login credentials while visiting the same site repeatedly—that’s a cookie in action (and HTTP is transferring that info unencrypted, which we address in the next section).HTTP is a text-based protocol. HTTP uses a set of standardized messages to facilitate communication between clients and servers. These messages include HTTP methods (such as GET, POST, PUT, and DELETE) and status codes (such as “200 OK,” “404 Not Found,” and “500 Internal Server Error”). We’ll dive into these concepts in more detail later.For example, when you click a link on a web page, the browser sends an HTTP GET request to the server to retrieve the linked page, and the server responds with a 200 OK status code and the HTML for the new page.How does HTTP work?It works by following a set of rules for formatting messages that are sent between the client (e.g. a web browser) and the server that hosts the requested web page. Here’s how:A client sends an HTTP request to the web server. When a user enters a website address (URL) and presses “enter” on their device, the client sends an HTTP request to the web server. The request contains specific details about the requested resource, such as the type of request (e.g., GET, POST), headers (metadata about the request), and a message body (optional).The web server receives the request. The server processes it, and sends back an HTTP response to the client. The response contains information about the requested resource, such as the HTTP version, status code, headers (metadata about the response), and a message body (optional).The client receives the response. It now renders the content in the browser window.For instance, say you’re planning a movie night with friends and you’re interested in checking out some reviews for the latest releases. While connected to the internet, you might type in “http://imdb.com” into your browser’s address bar, and the browser will do the rest, connecting to the server and returning the web page to you.What is HTTP request and response?An HTTP request is a message generated by the client (usually your browser) that is sent to the server. For instance, if you search for a “reliable CDN at an affordable price” on Google, you might click on one of the websites in the search results. Once you click on that link, your browser generates an HTTP request for you to visit the site and get that information.Here are the following components in the HTTP request:HTTP method. This is the type of request that a browser (client) sends to the server to initiate an action. The most commonly used HTTP methods are GET, POST, PUT, DELETE and PATCH. Each method has a specific purpose and can perform different types of operations on the server. For example, when you open a website about CDNs, you send a GET request. It’s called “get” because such a request helps to get the content of the website.URL. This stands for “uniform resource locator” and it refers to the address of the page you are trying to access. For example, you may visit the https://gcore.com address because we provide a CDN.Resource path. The part of a URL that identifies a specific resource on a server. This portion of the URL comes after the domain name and any subdirectories. For example, in the URL “https://gcore.com/cdn/gaming,” the resource path is “/cdn/gaming.” The server uses the resource path to locate and retrieve the requested resource, such as a web page, an image, or any other data type.HTTP protocol version. This is a number indicating the version of the HTTP protocol being used for a particular request or response. The HTTP protocol has gone through several versions, including HTTP/0.9, HTTP/1.0, HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2 and HTTP/3. Each version has its own features and improvements over the previous versions.Request headers. These are a list of additional details included in an HTTP request to provide more context and information about the request being made. For example, it can include the type of browser being used, the language preferences of the user, and the type of content being requested.HTTP body. This is the optional data that your browser sends as part of the HTTP request. The HTTP body might contain HTML, JSON, XML, or any other type of content that the client wants to send.In this example, the client uses the GET method with index.html as the resource path for the URL www.example.com with HTTP/1.1 protocol version. This also includes request headers that provide more information such as the type of browser (Mozilla/5.0) and what language and type of content.Now that you’re familiar with HTTP requests, let’s discuss what HTTP response is.An HTTP response is the message that a server sends to a client after receiving an HTTP request. It contains the data that the client requested, such as a web page or a file, along with additional information such as the status of the request and any headers. The response is typically sent using the HTTP protocol and can be customized based on the specific request from the client.HTTP responses generally consist of the following information:HTTP protocol version. Same with HTTP request, it indicates what protocol version was being used for a certain request or response. The standard versions are HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2 and HTTP/3.HTTP status code. The HTTP status code is a three-digit code that a server sends back to the client in response to its request. This code indicates the success, failure, or other status of the request. For example, the “200 OK” status means that the request succeeded.Status message. A server generates an HTTP response and sends it to a client with the purpose of fulfilling the client’s request for a resource, notifying the client that the requested action has been completed, or indicating that an error occurred during the processing of the request.Response headers. An HTTP response header is a section of a network packet that a web server transmits to a web browser or client device in response to an HTTP request. Its purpose is to provide additional information about the server’s response and the requested resource. The header also facilitates the transfer of web content and other web-based data from the server to the browser of the end-user who requested it during web communications.In this example, the response headers indicate that the server responded with an HTTP 200 OK status code on November 15, 2022 at 9:12:31 GMT. It says here that the server is running Apache version 2.4.6 (CentOS). Then, based on the response, the content type is text/html, telling us that the response body (which is the content) contains an HTML code. From here, it tells us that the content length is 1274 bytes, indicating the overall size of the content.Why is HTTP not secure?HTTP does not encrypt data during client-to-server communication, which means that any data transmitted over HTTP is sent in plain text without any encryption or security mechanisms. As a result, it can be intercepted and read by anyone with access to the network traffic, including cybercriminals. Additionally, HTTP does not provide any authentication, making it vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Attackers can eavesdrop on communication between a server and a client, resulting in the theft of personal information such as login credentials and credit card numbers.For instance, say you set up an e-commerce website that sells shoes and you take online payments. If your website uses HTTP, chances are high that users’ credentials and other account details can be easily intercepted and stolen by cybercriminals.Therefore, using HTTP on a website or application can indeed lead to various security risks and potential losses, including data theft, legal liabilities and negative impact on business revenue. Here are just a few examples of the consequences possible when relying on HTTP:Consequences of Using HTTPPotential LossesLoss of customer trustCustomers may lose trust in the business due to the lack of security on the website. This will lead them to take their business elsewhere.Data breachesUsing HTTP can put sensitive customer information at risk of being stolen by hackers. This can result in legal issues, fines, and a damaged reputation.SEO disadvantagesWebsites using HTTP are likely to rank lower in search results compared to HTTPS websites. This can result in decreased website traffic and revenue.Liability issuesIf a data breach occurs on a website using HTTP, the business owner may be held liable for damages, fines, and legal fees.Lost revenueData breaches and loss of customer trust directly translate to lost revenue for the business.How do I know if a website is secure?There are two easy steps to check if your site is secure.Check the URL of the website in the address bar. If the beginning of the URL says “http” and not “https”—for example, “http://example.com”—it means that your connection to the site is not secure. This lack of encryption can potentially compromise the security of user data.Check the security status symbol. On the web address bar, there are symbols that tell us the security of the connection. As an example, with Google Chrome, a padlock icon typically indicates a secure connection, while a not secure icon indicates an unsafe connection. The Info icon may appear in different contexts, such as when displaying additional information about the website or if it’s not secure.Once you become aware of the security symbols in web browsers, it’s easier to distinguish whether a website is secure. If you own a website and it’s still using HTTP, it’s highly recommended to switch to HTTPS to improve security for potential customers.What is HTTPS?HTTPS, short for Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a more secure version of HTTP. Unlike HTTP, HTTPS encrypts the communication between a web browser and a website, making it more difficult for hackers to eavesdrop, tamper with, or forge data.This enhanced security makes HTTPS the preferred protocol for online transactions, including online banking and e-commerce, where sensitive information like credit card numbers, passwords, and personal details are transmitted over the internet.By encrypting data and verifying website identity, HTTPS provides a safe way for users to share and receive information online without worrying about the security of their data.How does HTTPS work?HTTPS secures communication between the client and server using asymmetric encryption, a significant improvement over HTTP’s plain text. The encryption protocol used in HTTPS is called Transport Layer Security (TLS). In other words, when a website uses HTTPS, it signifies that the TLS standard is being used to encrypt the data being transmitted between parties. In order to do this, a valid SSL certificate should be installed on the server. From that point, a website can switch from HTTP to HTTPS and activate the lock icon in the address bar.At its core, TLS provides three key services: encryption, authentication, and data integrity.Encryption. TLS uses encryption to protect data transmitted between clients (e.g., a browser or a native app) and servers. With TLS encryption, plaintext data is transformed into an unreadable text (called ciphertext) that only those with the secret key can access or decrypt. This helps to keep the data secure and protected from unauthorized users.Authentication. TLS assists in confirming the server and the client identity verification. This is crucial, since it makes sure that the client is speaking with the correct server and not an imposter who might try to steal information.Data integrity. TLS aids in preventing data modification or tampering while it is being transmitted. This proves that the information sent by servers and received by clients is accurate and hasn’t been changed in any way.What are the benefits of using HTTPS?As you continue reading and learn more about how HTTPS works, you may be curious about the benefits of using it as either a website owner or a regular user. Is it really worth it to switch from HTTP to HTTPS? And what advantages does HTTPS bring to the table? Here are the benefits:Data encryption and integrity. HTTPS uses encryption to protect sensitive data that users send and receive on a website, such as login credentials or credit card information. It also ensures data integrity where the data being transmitted between the user’s browser and the web server has not been tampered with or altered during transmission. This can help prevent hackers from intercepting or stealing this data.Authentication. HTTPS verifies that the website that a user is visiting is the authentic website and not an impostor. This can help prevent phishing attacks and build trust with visitors.Improved SEO. Google uses HTTPS as a ranking signal, so websites that use HTTPS may rank higher in search results than those that don’t.Regulatory compliance. Many industries have regulatory requirements for data security and privacy, and using HTTPS can help meet these requirements.Boost brand reputation. Alert signs for non-HTTPS websites are displayed by popular web browsers like Chrome and Firefox, which may discourage visitors and damage a website’s credibility. These warnings can be avoided by using HTTPS.HTTP vs. HTTPS—What’s the difference?Both HTTP and HTTPS are protocols used for transferring data between web browsers and web servers. However, the main difference between the two is the level of security they offer. HTTPS uses SSL/TLS protocols to authenticate both the web browser and the web server, ensuring that data transmitted between them is encrypted and secure. In contrast, HTTP doesn’t use any encryption protocol, leaving data vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access.Now that you have learned about the benefits of HTTPS and the potential drawbacks of using HTTP, let’s compare the two in real-life situations to understand how they can differ in impacting your business.FeatureHTTPHTTPSReal-life exampleData SecurityNot secure, as data is transmitted in plain textSecure, as data is encrypted between the web browser and the web serverWithout HTTPS, sensitive data such as customer login credentials and payment details are vulnerable to interception and theft by hackers. For example, a business that processes credit card transactions on their website would need to use HTTPS to ensure their customers’ financial information is kept safe.Search Engine Optimization (SEO)Not a ranking factor for SEOA ranking factor for SEO, as Google prefers secure websitesHTTPS can give a business an SEO advantage over non-HTTPS websites. For example, an e-commerce site that uses HTTPS may rank higher in Google search results for certain keywords compared to a competitor site that doesn’t use HTTPS.Brand ReputationLack of HTTPS can harm a business’ reputation and deter potential customersHTTPS can improve a business’ reputation and instill trust in customersWithout HTTPS, customers may perceive a business as untrustworthy and be less likely to make purchases or share personal information on the site. For example, a medical practice that uses HTTPS to protect patient data can gain a reputation for taking security seriously and earn the trust of its patients.Legal ComplianceLack of HTTPS could lead to legal issues and finesHTTPS is increasingly becoming a legal requirement for businesses that process sensitive dataIn some industries, such as healthcare and finance, businesses are required by law to protect sensitive data using HTTPS. For example, a financial institution that doesn’t use HTTPS could face legal repercussions for failing to meet data protection standards.How to convert from HTTP to HTTPSNow that you understand the advantages of using HTTPS, you may be wondering how to make the switch from HTTP to HTTPS. To enable HTTPS on your website, you typically need to obtain an SSL/TLS certificate and configure your web server to use it.Obtain an SSL/TLS certificate. This can be done by purchasing a SSL certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA) or by using a free one like Let’s Encrypt. To obtain an SSL certificate, you will need to provide certain information such as your domain name, organization name (if applicable), and contact details. This information will be used to generate a Certificate Signing Request (CSR), which you will then pass on to the Certificate Authority (CA) to obtain the SSL certificate. Please note that specific information may vary depending on the type of SSL certificate you’re using.Install the certificate on your web server. The installation process will vary depending on your web server software. Generally, you’ll need to configure your web server to use the certificate and private key you obtained in the previous step. This makes your website available over HTTPS and ensures that the encryption key is in place.Update your website links. Once the certificate is installed, you’ll need to update your website links to use HTTPS instead of HTTP. This includes updating all internal links, as well as any external links you may have on your site. This step ensures that all content on your website is available over HTTPS and that there are no content warnings.Test your site. After you’ve enabled HTTPS on your site, it’s important to test it to ensure that everything is working properly. You can use various online tools to check for SSL/TLS certificate errors and mixed content warnings. This step further ensures that your website is available over HTTPS and that there are no errors or warnings that could impact user experience or search engine ranking.How does Gcore help website owners to enable HTTPS encryption?At Gcore, we are dedicated to helping our clients to make the switch from HTTP to HTTPS.With any of our CDN plans, you can issue a free Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate for all domains associated with your Gcore account. Also, you can install a custom SSL certificate from another provider. When the certificate is installed, you can switch from HTTP to HTTPS in a few clicks.Furthermore, we offer various paid SSL certificates to cater to different industries and sectors. Let’s delve into each of the SSL certificate types we provide:Certificate TypeDescriptionBest forDV certificate with domain validationThis certificate is useful for protecting basic web pages such as personal websites and blogs.A Domain Validated (DV) certificate is a type of SSL certificate that provides basic encryption and is issued within minutes. It is typically the most affordable type of SSL certificate and offers the lowest level of validation. An example of a DV certificate is the Let’s Encrypt SSL certificate.Blogs, informational websitesOV certificate with organization validationThis certificate is required for e-commerce and online sales.An OV certificate identifies the website owner and contains a company name. Fraudsters will not be able to pass the validation check and get this certificate.Once this certificate is obtained, a company name is displayed in the browser bar. Such websites are more trustworthy for visitors.Online stores, websites that require its users to log inIDN certificateThis certificate supports domains in native language characters.If your website domain name does not contain ASCII characters, you’ll need to get an IDN certificate.Domain and subdomain. Domain names that use non-English languagesWildcard certificateThis certificate covers both the domain and its subdomains.Subdomains must have the same second-level domain name (i.e., domain.com).Mail server, online banking services, social media platformTo review the price of each certificate, check out our pricing comparison.ConclusionIn summary, HTTP is a protocol that is vulnerable to attacks, while HTTPS is a secure version of HTTP that uses encryption to protect data in transit.Fortunately, switching to HTTPS is a relatively simple process, and Gcore CDN service allows users to enable HTTPS encryption for free using Let’s Encrypt certificate. However, using a free SSL certificate has its limitations. Gcore has this covered as well, offering SSL certificates with various validation levels, including DV, OV, IDN, and Wildcard, giving website owners several options to choose from based on their specific requirements. Finally, seeking guidance from experts can help website owners ensure their websites are adequately secured and protected from potential threats.

How to Start Live Streaming | Beginners Guide

What Is Live Streaming?

How to Live Stream in 8 Simple Steps

Step 1: Choose Your Streaming Solution

Platforms to Consider

Features to Consider

Your Business Goals

Step 2: Gather Essential Components

Cameras and Microphones

Capture Cards

Lighting

A Strong Internet Connection

Step 3: Create Your Live Channel

Step 4: Configure Your Video

Step 5: Set Up Your Encoder

Software Encoders

Hardware Encoder

Step 6: Monetize Your Video

Step 7: Add the Video Player to Your Website

Step 8: Start Sharing Your Live Stream

Live Streaming Best Practices

Gcore for Live Streaming: The All-in-One Solution

Conclusion

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