Cryptographic Algorithms: A Practical Evaluation of SSL/TLS and QUIC Protocols

Abstract

This research explores the implementation and performance of two transport protocols - Secure Sockets Layer/Transport Layer Security (SSL/TLS) and Quick UDP Internet Connections (QUIC) for client-server communications of business data. It compares the protocols' performance in establishing connections, transferring data, and managing encryption overhead. This research employs a comparative, experimental approach using Python implementations and Wireshark packet capture to evaluate the handshake times, speed and reliability of the two protocols. It also assesses the ease of implementation, transparency, and privacy considerations from a corporate point of view The study concluded that there is "no one size fits all": SSL/TLS is best for large data transfers over reliable networks, while QUIC is superior for short, interactive connections. The research provides insight from both the cryptographic and deployment perspectives, and has implications for enterprises selecting a secure transport protocol.