Technical SEO
Protocol
A web protocol is a set of rules governing how data is transmitted between a browser and a web server. The most fundamental protocol is HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), with HTTPS (HTTP Secure) being its encrypted version using SSL/TLS. Google confirmed HTTPS as a ranking signal in 2014, making SSL certificate installation a critical technical SEO requirement.
Protocol configuration and HTTPS migration are managed through server settings and SSL certificate providers like Let's Encrypt, DigiCert, or Comodo. Google Search Console tracks HTTPS coverage, and Screaming Frog identifies mixed content issues (HTTP resources on HTTPS pages) that can trigger browser security warnings.
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Related Terms
Technical SEO
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
An Internet protocol that allows the exchange of files between two online computers.
Technical SEO
IP (Internet Protocol)
Refers to unique sequences of numbers assigned by service providers for devices connected to the Internet to communicate.
Technical SEO
SSL Certificate
Refers to a digital certificate that establishes a secure connection between websites and users.
Technical SEO
URL
Refers to unique web addresses that provide access to a resource on the Internet.