Prefetching is a technique employed by web browsers and proxies to anticipate user actions and load resources in advance. While prefetching aims to enhance page loading speed, uncontrolled prefetching can lead to excessive server load and potential privacy concerns. This recipe allows website owners to configure the prefetching strategy, by defining the right balance for an optimal performance without compromising resources or user privacy.
Why install this recipe?
Resource optimization: Prefetching proxies, including those employed by browsers, can significantly improve website performance by preloading resources. However, improper configuration may lead to unnecessary server load and bandwidth consumption. This recipe allows website owners to strike a balance, optimizing resource usage.
Privacy considerations: Unrestricted prefetching may inadvertently disclose user behavior and preferences, raising privacy concerns. By configuring prefetching advice, website owners can mitigate potential privacy issues associated with excessive resource preloading.
Server load management: For websites with limited server resources, controlling prefetching becomes essential. By advising proxies on the extent of prefetching, website owners can manage server load more efficiently.
Opting into the "Early Access Program" for Google Chrome's Private Prefetch Proxy
The Early Access Program (EAP) for Google Chrome's Private Prefetch Proxy introduces an innovative approach to prefetching, aiming to enhance web performance. By opting into this program, website owners can take advantage of advanced prefetching capabilities provided by Google Chrome, potentially improving the overall user experience.
Configuration Options
There are three configuration options available for this recipe:
- Disallow prefetching: Choose this option if you wish to entirely disallow prefetching proxies from preloading your website's content. This is suitable for scenarios where resource consumption or privacy considerations are paramount, or if you consider that the gains offered by content prefetching are not worth the potential issues that could arise.
- Fractional prefetching: Control the proportion of traffic that prefetching proxies are allowed to preload. This option provides a balanced approach, optimizing performance while managing server load.
- Google Chrome's private prefetch proxy EAP: Opt for this configuration to participate in Google Chrome's Early Access Program, enabling advanced prefetching capabilities. This option is recommended for those seeking cutting-edge technology to enhance website performance.
How to install this recipe on my website with redirection.io?
Installing this recipe on your website requires the following steps:
- Choose the prefetching configuration: choose to allow or disallow prefetching. If prefectching is allowed, you can choose which percentage of traffic should be prefetched, and you can also opt-in to Google Chrome's Private Prefetch Proxy EAP.
- Click on the "Install on my website" button: install the recipe - this creates a new rule in "Draft" mode.
- Review the rule and publish the ruleset: if necessary, edit the rule before publishing it on your website.
Once published, the rule should be applied to your website within seconds
