Hermes

Hermes is an optimization mod for Minecraft. It focuses on creating a more secure and reliable connection to supported multiplayer servers. This improves the following:

• Reduces lag caused by packet loss.
• Reduces the effect of network interuptions.
• Reduces the amount of bandwidth used.
• Quicker initial connection time due to a more simpler encryption handshake.
• A more secure encryption algorithm is used due to TLS v1.3.

For those with high packet loss, this may also improve the latency to the server.

How does it work?

Hermes replaces the TCP connection for multiplayer, with a UDP connection through QUIC (same technology powering HTTPS/3.0).

The Hermes Client will connect using QUIC, if the server it's trying to connect to has an SRV record (e.g _hermes_minecraft._udp.example.com) available. This will then look for a certificate in a TXT record (e.g _hermes_ca.example.com) to confirm the identity of the server. It will then perform the TLS v1.3 handshake.

Once the mod is installed on the client, the client will be able to connect to any server (with and without Hermes). Servers not running Hermes will use the Vanilla protocol and not receive any of the benefits above.