In this episode of Search Off the Record, Gary Illyes
and Martin Splitt from the Google Search team dive deep into the
foundations of how the web works—specifically HTTP, TCP, UDP, and
newer technologies like QUIC and HTTP/3. The two reflect on how
even experienced web professionals often overlook or forget the
mechanics behind these core protocols, sharing insights through
technical discussion, playful banter, and analogies ranging from
messenger pigeons to teapots. The conversation spans key concepts
like packet transmission, connection handshakes, and the importance
of status codes such as 404, 204, and even 418 (“I’m a
teapot”).
Throughout the conversation, they connect these
protocols back to real-world implications for site owners,
developers, and SEOs—like why Search Console might report network
errors, and how browser or server behavior is influenced by
low-level transport decisions. With a mix of humor and expertise,
Gary and Martin aim to demystify a crucial part of the internet’s
infrastructure and remind listeners of the layered complexity that
makes modern web experiences possible.
Resources:
Episode transcript →https://goo.gle/sotr091-transcript
Listen to more Search Off the Record → https://goo.gle/sotr-yt
Subscribe to Google Search Channel → https://goo.gle/SearchCentral
Search Off the Record is a podcast series that takes
you behind the scenes of Google Search with the Search Relations
team.
#SOTRpodcast #SEO #Http
Speakers: Lizzi Sassman, John Mueller, Martin Splitt,
Gary Illyes
Products Mentioned: Search Console – General