Real-time peer-to-peer signaling and media exchange is an important capability for most interactive web applications. Use cases of direct exchange technologies range from simple text chats to interactive solutions. We asked the specialists in the field to help us analyze the key differences between WebRTC vs WebSocket, their pros, cons, and basic principles of work.
WEBRTC VS WEBSOCKETS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
Let’s start with the WebRTC definition. It is a real-time direct media exchange technology, an open-source project originally. Its main goal is to provide the connection means for browsers and mobile apps. A connection is established through signal indication and synchronization - the whole process is essentially called signaling.
To establish a WebRTC connection between two devices, a signaling server is required. It is an intermediary that on top of its main function of establishing a connection also minimizes the risk of valuable information and confidential data leakage.
The WebRTC specification does not specify what exactly to use to transmit signaling data: WebSocket, XMLHttpRequest, or another virtual transport.
What is WebSocket? Both WebRTC and WebSocket are technologies for communication capabilities. What is the difference between them? WebSocket is a computer communication protocol that enables communication and data exchange. With the help of this web communication solution and WebRTC technology combined, modern web applications allow you to exchange audio and video content with a large number of users in real time.
The most significant advantage and feature of WebSockets is the availability of two communication methods over a single TCP connection.
This is an extract. Read the full article: https://requestum.com/webrtc-vs-websockets
Top comments (1)
This is a great overview, thank you! I especially appreciated the graphics in the full article.
We build on top of WebRTC over at Daily, in case you're interested in tools that abstract away some of the complexity!