How HTTP Keep-Alive Settings Improve Website and Hosting Performance

Have you ever opened a website that loaded super quickly? I always notice it, because I am obsessed with website load times and speed. One of the small settings that makes a huge difference is a function called HTTP Keep-Alive. It may sound technical, but it's quite simple to understand.

What Is HTTP Keep-Alive?​

So, Keep-Alive is basically saying to the server, "Please don't shut the connection yet, I still need more files."

Usually, your browser creates a new connection for each file. That takes time. With Keep-Alive, the same connection remains open to receive the files faster.

Pretty simple, right?

Why Keep-Alive Is Important​

I still remember the first time I turned this on. Suddenly, my website felt faster, and I thought, "Wow, what a difference for such a little setting?"

Keep-alive improves speed by:

• Eliminating the need to create new connections over and over
• Lessening the load on your hosting server
• Speeding up the page load time
• Improving the experience for visitors to your page

Who wants their site to be slow?

How Keep-Alive Benefits Your Server​

Your server does a lot of work. When the server is forced to open too many connections, it begins to slow down and stress.

With Keep-Alive:

• The server can serve more users at the same time
• The server can use fewer resources
• It generally gives the server a smoother experience

It is kind of like giving your server a minor boost so that it can keep going without getting overwhelmed or tired.

Keep-Alive Requires the Correct Settings​

Keep-Alive sounds great, and it can be, but when you set the numbers incorrectly it can be even more confusing. I once set the timeout too high and my server became lost just trying to figure out which connections to keep open for too long.

There are important settings to note:

• Keep-Alive Timeout – The length the connection stays open
• Max Keep-Alive Requests – The number of requests going through that connection
• Server connection limits – To ensure that the server does not become too loaded

It is amazing what a small setting can do.

Should You Turn It On?​

My straightforward answer is: Yes, definitely.

In general, having Keep-Alive turned on improves web performance. The majority of web pages today load many files and keeping the connection open is very useful.

It also makes your site feel faster. And let's face it, faster sites have more visits.

In Closing​

HTTP Keep-alive is a small selection in your hosting options but it makes a large difference. It helps render your site more quickly, lessens the strain on your server, and it creates a better experience for visitors.

Isn't it amazing how a simple selection can make such a big impact?

If you have not looked at your settings for Keep-Alive, now would be the perfect time. Turn it on and enjoy the extra speed—it will be noticeable.