WebRTC is paving the way for seamless device-to-device communication.
WebRTC (or Web Real-Time Communication) enables online collaboration, provides opportunities for video communication, and more—without any need to install software across your devices.
Throughout this article, we’ll dive deeper into what WebRTC is, how it works, and how Apizee uses it to help our clients communicate better.
What is WebRTC?
WebRTC is an open-source project that enables real-time communication and data transfer across browsers and devices. It makes real-time voice, text, and—importantly—video communicationpossible.
One of the key components of WebRTC is that it allows browsers and clients to communicate directly without having to send information to an intermediary server. It effectively cuts out the middle step so that data is kept between the users.
This is different from a bidirectional communication protocol likeWebSockets, where real-time communication goes through the server before it reaches the end client.
The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) developed browser-based WebRTC to allow secure, direct communication between browsers and devices. Most popular browsers (e.g., Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge) support this technology.
WebRTC is a game-changer for team leaders and enterprise companies. It makes internal video communication between members of your team and external communication with your customers that much easier.
Not too long ago, if your support team needed to hop on a video call with a customer to diagnose an issue, both parties would need to have the same video communication tool downloaded and installed on their computers. Then, they’d have to join a call using the same meeting code.
This process was often clunky and frustrating, making it an impractical customer service tool.
WebRTC is the perfect antidote to cumbersome technology. Using enabled platforms likeApizee, your team can host live video conferencing directly through a website.
You can send a link, and your recipient will be connected to a video call. No middle server. No software download required.
How does WebRTC work?
WebRTC uses JavaScript, HTML5, and other application programming interfaces (APIs), to embed voice and video communication into web browsers.
These APIs are how direct peer-to-peer communication is possible, enabling the seamless transfer of audio, video, and data from one device directly to another.
WebRTC API components
WebRTC uses several interrelatedJavaScript APIsto help bring this technology to life. If you’re using a platform like Apizee, you won’t need to consider these components too deeply.
If you’re interested in learning more about the tech behind the platform, here are three components WebRTC uses:
How WebRTC accesses cameras and microphones: MediaStream
The MediaStream API was designed to get access to a device or browser’s audio and video capabilities. It uses the getUserMedia and getDisplayMedia methods to request permission to access the camera, mic, and/or screen during a video chat.
MediaRecorder is another component of the MediaStream API that enables one or both parties to record audio and video from their devices.
How WebRTC bridges the miles between browsers: RTCPeerConnection
RTCPeerConnection does the heavy lifting in connecting the two browsers together. It’s the main entry point for the peer-to-peer connection, allowing the two devices to stream audio and video to each other.
RTCPeerConnection is also responsible for maintaining the connection, monitoring it throughout, and then closing it once the communication is complete.
How WebRTC transfers data: RTCDataChannel
RTCDataChannel was built using SCTP (Stream Control Transmission Protocol) and works together with RTCPeerConnection as a way to transfer data between the two browsers. This component enables bidirectional data transfer between two peers.
How WebRTC clients connect to each other: STUN/TURN and Signaling Servers
STUN (Session Traversal Utilities for NAT) /TURN (Traversal Using Relays around NAT) and signaling servers are pieces of software that take care of all the nitty-gritty details of establishing a connection across all the participants in a conversation.
This includes:
Manage incoming and leaving participants
Notify incoming calls
Share and agree on the protocols and codecs that will be used for audio and video by all the participants
Adapt video and audio quality to network connection quality
Reach participants’ device through their IP address, even on local networks (NAT)
Go through firewalls
Don’t some WebRTC platforms use a server?
While WebRTC doesn’t need a server to communicate between devices, sometimes WebRTC-enabled platforms do use them (for example, to get around firewalls, or optimize bandwidth use).
However, using an intermediary server can cause low latency, delaying video streaming and data transfer.
WebRTC allows businesses to improve collaboration, streamline sales meetings, and offer faster and easier customer service. That all falls down when the platform lags. There’s nothing more frustrating than an interrupted, broken video call when you’re trying to solve a time-sensitive problem.
Furthermore, there’s a data security issue when introducing additional parties (such as a server). The data passed between users now much flow through an intermediary that is susceptible to attack. This is why industries with compliance regulations, such as healthcare or legal services, find it difficult to use traditional communication software.
So, if you’re considering using WebRTC, before you press go on a platform, ensure that:
A peer-to-peer communication mode is available
All the video and audio communications are encrypted by default The video communication platform is compliant with the necessary standards and norms that applies to your activity (HDS, HIPAA, GDPR, …)
What are the benefits of using WebRTC?
WebRTC has opened a lot of doors in the communication world. Apart from the obvious user experience benefits we’ve already mentioned (faster service, no downloads, etc.), there are several benefits to using this type of technology within your business.
It’s a free, open-source API
The W3C developed WebRTC as a completely free, open-source project available for both personal and commercial use. This means companies can use it to offer things like in-browser video communication as a service without having to pay to play.
Developers can create easy in-house communication methods with this open-source project. Plus, as developers use and improve it, existing tools that rely on WebRTC will also improve. Developers can head toWebRTC.orgto access the codelab and work with it for their own projects.
It’s secure
WebRTC automatically encrypts any type of data that is being transferred using its APIs. If anyone were to try to hack into a video call or data transfer that’s using WebRTC, they wouldn’t be able to decipher anything from the communication. Executives feel secure using WebRTC forcorporate communications, knowing their team can have conversations without fear of leaks. This encryption is also key forhealthcare providersthat need to adhere to HIPAA compliance laws.
It’s flexible
WebRTC technology provides flexibility for development teams to use in their app or software in whatever ways that best fit their needs.
Why do we love this? It means that there won’t be millions of duplicate tools out there.
WebRTC enables the existence of new types of software, helping to modernize online communication and catalyze future enhancements.
It’s compatible with most browsers and operating systems
WebRTC isn’t exclusive. Every major browser and operating system offer WebRTC compatibility.
It’s also compatible with mobile applications and mobile operating systems, like Android and iOS, enabling even more people to have access to WebRTC applications. This helps you reach way more users than you otherwise could with downloadable communication tools.
There’s no need to download or install any external apps, and it’s extremely easy to use. The entire conversation can be done right inside your browser.
Use cases for WebRTC
What is WebRTC used for? There are several use cases for WebRTC and how your team can take advantage of this technology, too.
Team communication
The most common use case for WebRTC is for team communication: text, voice, or video. Instead of teams having to download external software like Skype or Zoom, WebRTC allows teams to communicate via an in-browser meeting room.
This is exactly how Apizee works, providing one-click access to online meeting spaces without the need for downloadable software. It makes joining a meeting or a quick huddle a much more seamless process.
Your team can create a standing meeting link and type it into their browser each time they need to meet. This takes only a few seconds (depending on the internet connection, of course), rather than a few minutes to boot up an entirely separate app.
It’s also a great way to provide internal support.
For example, a web developer might need to hop on a call with someone from the marketing team to help finalize changes on a landing page for an upcoming campaign. To do so, the developer can simply share a meeting link for a huddle before promptly getting back to work, with little to no interruption to their day.
Customer service
WebRTC tools can also be used to offercustomer service assistanceand field service assistance. Simply offer video assistance as one of your customer service options. As soon as a customer selects that they want help via video call, an agent can easily send out an invitation link.
The customer then clicks the link, opening the video call in their browser or mobile app. Your support team can easily assist them face-to-face to resolve their issue. Plus, WebRTC enables the use of screen sharing. With this feature, customers can show your support team exactly what they’re seeing, making it even easier to assist them.
Let’s say your customer keeps getting an error when using your software. It could be a bug or it could be user error, but without actually seeing the issue yourself, it can be hard to identify the root cause.
This is where Apizee and WebRTC video communication comes in. Through seamless online video chat links, your business can improve first call resolution, reduce technical diagnostic visits, and improve the overall support experience. It even enables your team to provide a more personal touch for your customers.
Live streaming
WebRTC can also be used as the basis for live-streaming apps. Some apps that already use WebRTC includeFacebook Live, and evenPelotonfor their live classes. These apps can be used to view live classes, host live shopping sessions, stream video games, and more.
Some live-streaming apps are simply used to blast live video to a large audience of people at once, without much of an interactive experience (like Peloton’s live exercise classes). Others, like Facebook Live, allow viewers to leave comments and reactions throughout the live stream.
There are many different use cases for live streaming, including:
Online auctions. Tools likeWhatnotmake it easy for people to buy and sell items in a live bidding video.
Webinars/online conferences. Host live, educational virtual events via live-streaming software.
Watch parties. Groups of fans can watch sporting events together in a live, virtual format.
Live shopping. Similar to online auctions (but without the bidding), live shopping videos have gained popularity in the last year or so.
Online learning. WebRTC platforms can connect students and educators, making online classes even more streamlined.
Telehealth
Healthcare providers and therapists often take advantage of WebRTC-enabled software so they can offer telehealth appointments. Essentially, these are virtual doctor and therapy appointments that make it easy for those who are less mobile to still visit their doctor or therapist.
Telehealth video communicationwas also a major life-saver during the initial COVID-19 lockdowns, allowing patients to still see their medical professionals while staying safely at home. Apizee offers telehealth and telemedicine video assistance that is fully secure and compliant.
The Metaverse
TheMetaverseis a newer concept in technology, referring to an online virtual space where internet users can interact with each other via virtual and augmented reality.
While the Metaverse doesn’t yet exist in the way that developers hope it will in the future (you might eventually be holding virtual reality meetings), WebRTC is likely going to have a major hand in its virtual communication capabilities.
This could provide an even more immersive and interactive method of communicating with your teammates and your customers, doing so via Metaverse avatars rather than face-to-face video communication.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects that are internet-capable.
Your Google Home orAmazon Alexaare some of the more obvious objects, but also things like baby monitors,Ring doorbells, TVs, and other smart devices. These all belong to the Internet of Things category.
When objects enable users to see or hear things near them (e.g., the aforementioned baby monitors and video doorbells), they’re often using WebRTC to make that communication or video feed happen.
Apizee and WebRTC
WebRTC’s initial release was in 2011, and Apizee has been working with the technology for nearly as long. We’ve spent the last 10 years perfecting our tool and its WebRTC foundation, as well as offering other people the ability to use WebRTC in their own projects.
Our team has a number of WebRTC experts who stay up-to-date on all of the technology’s updates, as well as browser updates that could potentially change how it’s used.
“For over ten years now, we have been working on WebRTC development, with a strong emphasis on application interoperability. We have provided tools that greatly facilitate developer integration, taking into account the specifics of each browser, such as the constraints of autoplay policies on Safari/iOS. Our goal is always to offer a smooth and consistent user experience, regardless of the browser used.” said Frédéric Luart, Founder of Apizee.
Due to this expertise, we consistently receive feedback from our clients like this:
“Apizee’s APIs fully met our objectives: simple and quick integration into our business application in less than a month, and fluidity of use for our doctors and patients” said Émilien Gauthier, CTO at Predilife.
We’re also able to offer a number of use cases to our clients through our WebRTC-based tool, from customer relations and support to field services, collaboration, and sales.
Create virtual rooms that are used for video messaging, screen sharing, and file sharing without asking people to download software.
Apizee’s continued work with WebRTC ensures that our users will always have a seamless experience with all of their voice and video communication.
Key takeaways
WebRTC is a helpful technology that supports in-browser video and voice communication. It makes remote communication easier in a number of ways—something that’s essential when so many people work remotely or want to communicate in a way that’s convenient for them.
Take advantage of software that utilizes WebRTC and makes communication easier for you, your team, and your clients.Learn more about how Apizeecan work for your organization.
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