Overview
This article is an overview of HTTP/2 and how it's enabled at DreamHost.
Background
HTTP/2 is a major update to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the underlying communication protocol used to move data back and forth over the Internet.
It improves upon HTTP/1.1 with faster data transfer and better resource management. Features like content prioritization ensure critical elements load first, while Server Push allows servers to send resources to the browser before they’re requested, leading to faster website performance.
Enabling HTTP/2
HTTP/2 is automatically added and configured for Shared, DreamPress, and Nginx servers—no further action is needed.
You can confirm it is functioning by testing your site on a website such as tools.keycdn.com/http2-test
FAQs
Is HTTP/2 available on all hosting plans?
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Yes. HTTP/2 is currently supported on all managed hosting platforms (Shared, DreamPress, VPS, and Dedicated).
What benefits does HTTP/2 provide?
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HTTP/2 provides the following new features:
- A binary protocol, making it more compact
- Fully multiplexed, parallel connections allow for faster, more efficient data transfer
- Server push functionality, which allows web designers to build sites that proactively send assets that are needed by a web page
Will my site be compatible with HTTP/2?
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Yes. Browsers that support HTTP/2 will automatically use the newer protocol when connecting to an HTTP/2 webserver.
Browsers that do not support HTTP/2 will seamlessly use HTTP/1.1.
Is my SSL certificate compatible with HTTP/2?
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Yes. Your current Let’s Encrypt or Professionally-signed SSL certificate will function normally using HTTP/2.
Can I use HTTP/2 for non-secured hosting domains?
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No. Only domains that use an SSL certificate support HTTP/2.
Can I use HTTP/2 with Cloudflare?
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Yes. Cloudflare supports HTTP/2. See this article for more information.
Is HTTP/2 server push available at DreamHost?
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HTTP/2 server push is not available on DreamHost servers at this time.