What is Web RTC?

Web RTC is short for web real-time communications. It is an open framework that facilitates real-time interaction between any devices that support a web browser. More than just for video and audio, Web RTC supports collaboration tools like whiteboards and can facilitate online gaming. Web RTC is the technology commonly used for many webinar and web conferencing software.

As the name suggests, Web RTC provides communication with very low latency. Users can transfer files without having to use any additional infrastructure or plugins. It is a free open source project, meaning that anyone can use, modify, or distribute it.

Web RTC is used by Google Hangouts, Facebook Messenger, Livestorm, and many other applications.

Benefits of Web RTC

Web RTC makes it easy to collaborate in teams, share files quickly, and secure data. Finally, Web RTC makes communication more accessible. Some benefits of Web RTC are:

Team collaboration
Filesharing
Data security
Accessibility

Team collaboration

Team collaboration is easy with Web RTC as it relieves the need for clunky and outdated software. As a download-free communication option, teams can connect and call wherever they are. This bridges the gaps found in larger organizations, making communication more agile across departments.

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Filesharing

Filesharing typically occurs when a source transfers a file to a server, which then sends those files to the end device. Web RTC still uses a server to establish a connection between devices, but once the connection is established files are able to be transferred quickly. No additional plugins or infrastructure is required to transfer files once the devices are connected.

Data security

Exchanges via Web RTC are encrypted by default, subject to the security imposed by the browser itself. Data transmitted via Web RTC is encrypted with a protocol called Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS) that is built into all browsers that support Web RTC. This means that Web RTC data is end-to-end encrypted.

Accessibility

As a free and open-source technology, Web RTC is accessible for users and developers alike. Any device that can access a web browser can connect with Web RTC, making it cheaper for end-users to communicate. From a developer’s perspective, the sky is the limit for potential innovation.