A Comparative Performance Study of the Matrix /sync Endpoint on Synapse and Tuwunel

• Windson Viana UFC
• Francisco Airton Silva UFPI
• Francisco A. A. Gomes UFC
• Michel Sales UFC
• Roberto Ivo UFC
• Fernando A. M. Trinta UFC
• Rossana M. de C. Andrade UFC
• José A. F. de Macêdo UFC
• Vinícius Lagrota CEPESC
• Rodrigo Pacheco CEPESC
• Paulo A. L. Rego UFC

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/sbrc.2026.19722

Abstract

Matrix is an open protocol for federated communication, primarily implemented by the Synapse server, with Tuwunel as an alternative. Client–server interaction relies on the synchronization (sync) mechanism, which delivers events and updates throughout the application lifecycle. This paper presents a controlled experimental comparison of Synapse and Tuwunel based on nearly 17,000 sync requests under increasing load and different filtering strategies. Results show that Tuwunel achieves lower response times in three of four configurations, but it does not yet support Simplified Sliding Sync (SSS) correctly. SSS on Synapse delivers the lowest latency across the evaluated settings. We also report saturation and resource trends under increasing load.

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