WebRTC & Video Streaming

Quick Reference: WebSockets | HTTP


Quick Reference

TechnologyUse CaseLatencyComplexity
WebRTCP2P video/audioVery lowHigh
HLSOn-demand videoHigherLow
DASHAdaptive streamingMediumMedium
RTMPLive streamingLowMedium

Clear Definition

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) enables peer-to-peer audio, video, and data communication directly in browsers without plugins. Video Streaming architectures deliver video content efficiently to users.

šŸ’” Key Insight: WebRTC enables low-latency P2P communication. Video streaming uses adaptive bitrate streaming for quality optimization.


Core Concepts

WebRTC

  • P2P Communication: Direct browser-to-browser connection
  • Low Latency: Real-time audio/video
  • NAT Traversal: STUN/TURN servers for connectivity
  • Media Streams: Audio/video/data streams

Video Streaming

  • Adaptive Bitrate: Adjust quality based on bandwidth
  • CDN Distribution: Serve from edge locations
  • Protocols: HLS, DASH, RTMP
  • Encoding: Multiple quality levels

Use Cases

WebRTC

  1. Video Calls: Zoom, Google Meet
  2. Screen Sharing: Remote collaboration
  3. Gaming: Real-time multiplayer
  4. File Transfer: P2P file sharing

Video Streaming

  1. On-Demand: Netflix, YouTube
  2. Live Streaming: Twitch, live events
  3. Video Conferencing: Large meetings

Best Practices

  1. Adaptive Streaming: Use adaptive bitrate for video
  2. CDN: Distribute video through CDN
  3. Encoding: Pre-encode multiple quality levels
  4. Monitoring: Track quality metrics

Quick Reference Summary

WebRTC: P2P real-time communication for low-latency audio/video.

Video Streaming: Adaptive bitrate streaming for efficient video delivery.

Key: WebRTC for real-time, streaming protocols for on-demand/live video.


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