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Networking Protocols

# Networking Protocols

This article details the networking protocols essential for a properly functioning MediaWiki 1.40 installation. Understanding these protocols is crucial for server administrators and those involved in maintaining a stable and secure wiki environment. We will cover the core protocols used for communication between the web server, database server, and client browsers.

Core Protocols

Several protocols form the foundation of a MediaWiki site’s network communication. These protocols handle different aspects of data transmission and ensure reliable operation. Incorrect configuration can lead to performance issues, security vulnerabilities, or complete service disruption. Consider reviewing Security Best Practices before making any changes.

TCP/IP

Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the fundamental suite of protocols that governs communication over the internet and most private networks. MediaWiki relies heavily on TCP/IP for all network interactions. It provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of a stream of data between applications running on hosts communicating over an IP network. See also the Network Configuration article for basic IP addressing information.

HTTP/HTTPS

Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is used for transferring web pages and related content between a web server and a client (typically a web browser). HTTPS is the secure version of HTTP, utilizing Transport Layer Security (TLS) or its predecessor, Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), to encrypt the communication. Using HTTPS is *strongly* recommended for all MediaWiki installations, particularly those handling sensitive user data. Refer to HTTPS Configuration for details on setting up SSL/TLS.

MySQL Protocol

MediaWiki utilizes the MySQL protocol to communicate with the MySQL or MariaDB database server. This protocol is used for querying, updating, and managing the wiki’s data. Optimizing database queries and network latency to the database server is critical for wiki performance. See the Database Configuration article for more information.

Detailed Protocol Specifications

The following tables provide more detailed information about the specific protocols used and their typical configurations.

Protocol Port Description Security Considerations
HTTP 80 Used for unencrypted web traffic. Avoid using HTTP in production environments. Sensitive data will be transmitted in plain text.
HTTPS 443 Used for encrypted web traffic. Requires SSL/TLS certificate. Essential for protecting user credentials and sensitive wiki data. Regularly update your SSL/TLS certificate.
MySQL 3306 Used for communication with the database server. Restrict access to this port to only the web server(s). Use strong database passwords.
SSH 22 Used for remote server administration. Use key-based authentication instead of passwords. Change the default port.

DNS Configuration

Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names (like `www.example.com`) into IP addresses. Correct DNS configuration is essential for users to access your wiki. Incorrect DNS settings will result in users being unable to find your wiki. See DNS Troubleshooting if you experience issues.

DNS Record Type Description Example
A Maps a hostname to an IPv4 address. `www.example.com. A 192.0.2.1`
AAAA Maps a hostname to an IPv6 address. `www.example.com. AAAA 2001:db8::1`
CNAME Creates an alias for another hostname. `wiki.example.com. CNAME www.example.com.`
MX Specifies mail servers responsible for accepting email messages. `example.com. MX 10 mail.example.com.`

Network Performance Considerations

The performance of your MediaWiki site is directly affected by network latency and bandwidth. Consider the following:

⚠️ *Note: All benchmark scores are approximate and may vary based on configuration. Server availability subject to stock.* ⚠️

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