SSL, or Secure Sockets Layer, is a protocol that facilitates secure communication over a computer network. One way SSL contributes to more efficient use of computational resources is through its ability to minimize the amount of data sent over the network. SSL establishes a secure link between client and server, which helps in reducing packet size and improves response times. When data packets are smaller, both bandwidth and processing power are used more effectively, as there is less data to encrypt and decrypt, decreasing the overhead on both the server and the client.
Another efficiency boost comes from SSL session resumption. When a client connects to a server that has previously been accessed, rather than performing a full handshake every time, SSL can resume the previous session. This reuse of a previously established session saves computational resources, as the SSL handshake involves multiple cryptographic computations and exchanges. By avoiding these repetitive processes, servers can handle more requests concurrently without requiring additional resources, thereby improving performance and reducing the load on both the client and the server.
Moreover, using SSL can lead to better resource allocation in a networked environment. Since many users are concerned about security, sites employing SSL can filter traffic more efficiently. When a site is secure, it might deter less secure requests or unnecessary roundtrips to establish connections. This means that computational resources are directed to legitimate traffic only, allowing servers to allocate their power to valid requests and maintain optimal performance. By establishing a secure environment, SSL ultimately allows for a more streamlined and resource-efficient operation in a network setting.