WebRTC is a free, open source technology that supports real-time communication between browsers and devices. It realizes audio and video capture, encoding and point-to-point transmission through built-in API, without plug-ins. Its working principle includes: 1. The browser captures audio and video input; 2. The data is encoded and transmitted directly to another browser through a security protocol; 3. The signaling server assists in the initial connection but does not participate in media transmission; 4. The connection is established to achieve direct communication with low latency. The main application scenarios are: 1. Video conferencing (such as Google Meet, Jitsi); 2. Customer service voice/video chat; 3. Online games and collaborative applications; 4. IoT and real-time monitoring. Its advantages are cross-platform compatibility, no download required, default encryption and low latency, suitable for point-to-point communication but not for large-scale live broadcasts.

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) is a free, open-source project that enables real-time communication—like voice calling, video chatting, and data sharing—directly between web browsers and devices. It doesn't require plugins or external software, which makes it fast and user-friendly.

How Does WebRTC Work?

WebRTC works by using APIs built into modern browsers to handle real-time communication tasks like capturing audio/video, encoding/decoding media streams, and transferring data peer-to-peer.

Here's what happens behind the scenes:

• The browser captures media input (like your microphone or camera).
• That data is encoded and transmitted directly to another browser using secure protocols.
• A signaling server helps the two sides connect initially but isn't part of the actual media transfer.
• Once connected, communication happens directly, with minimal delay.

This peer-to-peer setup keeps things fast and reduces the need for heavy server infrastructure.

Main Use Cases of WebRTC

WebRTC has become a go-to technology for real-time communication on the web. Here are some of its most common applications:

1. Video Conferencing and Online Meetings

WebRTC powers many online meeting tools like Zoom (in part), Google Meet, and Jitsi. It allows users to join meetings instantly without installing apps—just click a link and go.

• You can share your camera, microphone, and screen in real time.
• It supports adaptive bitrate streaming, so calls stay smooth even on slower connections.

2. Customer Support Chat with Voice or Video

Many customer service platforms use WebRTC to offer live video or voice support right from a website. This avoids making customers switch to phone calls or download extra apps.

• For example, a bank might let you talk to an agent via video chat while viewing your account details.
• These sessions are encrypted and usually don't store recordings unless specified.

3. Online Gaming and Interactive Apps

WebRTC isn't just for talking—it's also used in multiplayer games and apps where low latency matters.

• Some browser-based games use WebRTC to sync player actions quickly.
• Collaborative whiteboards or shared document editors use it to update content in real time.

4. IoT and Real-Time Monitoring

Some Internet of Things (IoT) setups use WebRTC to stream live video or sensor data from remote devices directly to a browser.

• For instance, security cameras can stream live footage without requiring a separate app.
• Remote diagnostics or field technician support can be done through real-time video feeds.

What Makes WebRTC Special?

One big plus is that it works across different platforms and browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.). Also, because it uses standard web protocols, developers can integrate it easily into websites and apps.

A few key features:

• No plugins or downloads needed
• Encrypted by default for privacy
• Designed for low-latency communication

It's not perfect for every situation—like large-scale streaming events—but for direct, real-time interaction, it's hard to beat.

That's basically how WebRTC works and where you'll see it used. It's quietly powering a lot of the real-time experiences we now take for granted online.

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