Improving Web Performance by a Differencing and Merging System

In this paper we consider the problem of improving Web performance and propose an efficient differencing and merging system (DMS) based on an HTTP protocol extension. To provide for faster information exchange over the Web, the system tries to transfer only computed differences between requested documents and previously retrieved documents from the same site. Analysis and experimental results prove the effectiveness of DMS, but also show bigger processor and memory load on servers and clients. DMS is compatible with most of the existing solutions for improving Web performance. Moreover, SSL security system may be used to provide Web privacy and authenticity. The DMS model is simple to use and can be relatively easily integrated in Web servers and browsers.