Next.js

Navigation

Navigation can be server-driven (default) or client-driven, depending on component type and trigger.

Server navigation

Default for RSC pages and segments.
Server sends a new RSC payload; React updates changed segments.
Streaming via Suspense; layouts persist.
Triggered by Link between RSC routes.

Client navigation

Used with Client Components or router.push().
Browser performs navigation but still fetches new RSC payloads.
Client JS stays active; no full reset.

Key differences

Feature	Server	Client
Trigger	RSC	Client Components
Client JS	None	Required
Streaming	Yes	No
Payload size	Smaller	Larger with more client components
Layout preserved	Yes	Yes

Note

Both modes load a new RSC payload; the difference is where navigation logic runs.

Suspense & Streaming

CSS in Next.js

On this page

Server navigation Client navigation Key differences Note