WebRTC
What Is WebRTC
WebRTC is a revolutionary technology that realizes real-time communication between browsers and apps. Just opening a browser compatible with WebRTC technology, without any downloads or installations, users can connect their devices to enable text chats and transfer files, audio, video, or other types of data. Since its origin in 2009, WebRTC has brought a huge boost to the communication and live-streaming industry.
The most unique aspect of WebRTC is its peer-to-peer (P2P) Communication. This means that data can be transferred immediately to another device with no need to go through any servers. As a result, WebRTC greatly reduces latency, improves the efficiency of communication, and also avoids certain data risks.
The Pros and Cons of WebRTC
Advantages
・Open source and cross-platform: WebRTC is open source technology and allows developers to use and customize it for free. Also, apps using WebRTC can run on multiple browsers and operating systems.
・Real-time: WebRTC supports low-latency real-time communication, which is crucial for scenarios such as online video conferencing, live broadcast, gaming, etc.
・Security: WebRTC uses a series of protocols, to ensure the security of media data during transmission.
・Poor network resistance: WebRTC has excellent network adaptability, which ensures the stability and quality of communication even under weak network conditions.
・Well-developed ecology: WebRTC has an active developer community, and many big companies such as Google and Apple are actively supporting and promoting the development of WebRTC.
Disadvantages
・Complexity: It includes a multitude of networking protocols and media processing technologies, which makes it complex to deeply understand and practically apply WebRTC.
・Security risks: When using WebRTC, your computer will be directly connected to the website you are accessing, which can result in your real IP address being leaked and pose a potential security risk. This process is also known as WebRTC Leak.
・Limitations: WebRTC is more suitable for one-on-one chat scenarios. Although it can be extended to group chats, it performs poorly in very large group chats.
WebRTC Application Scenarios
Video Conferencing
The most common application of WebRTC is online video conferencing. Many well-known video conferencing services, such as Google Meet are based on WebRTC technology.
Live Broadcast
Using WebRTC's low-latency characteristics, a live broadcast experience that is closer to real-time can be realized, enabling viewers to interact more quickly with the anchor or content, including real-time broadcasts of sporting events, live online games, VR live broadcasts, etc.
Real-time gaming
WebRTC can also be used to develop real-time multiplayer games, including AR/VR/MR.
Real-time monitoring
WebRTC can also be used in real-time monitoring scenarios. For instance, by streaming video from a surveillance camera to a browser, users can view the surveillance images in real time from anywhere.
