Today we decided to tell you about one of these technologies - the WebSocket protocol. We will explain how it works and its advantages in simple examples.
How Did the Internet Work Before WebSocket?
Before the WebSocket advent, the client (browser) had to send a request to get new information from the server, and the server sent a response. Without the request, there was no response. That is, no page update - the server could not send anything itself. This model remains the dominant method of communication on the web today, although more interactive applications increasingly rely on alternatives like WebSockets.
For example, if a user received a message on a website, the client (browser) traditionally had to poll the server at intervals to check for new data. Later, more efficient approaches like long polling and Server-Sent Events (SSE) emerged, allowing the server to push updates without constant polling — though they still had limitations compared to WebSockets.
There was another option. Browsers found out about the new data only when users interacted with the website: when they navigated to other pages, manually refreshed a tab, or re-opened the website.
There were disadvantages to this approach:
- Superfluous network load. The client (browser) had to constantly send requests to the server, even if there was no new information However, with HTTP/2, persistent connections and multiplexing help minimize this overhead by reducing the cost of initializing each request — making polling more efficient, though still not as optimal as full-duplex communication via WebSockets.
- The overhead of establishing a new connection with each request/response. This also consumed some time. Going forward, we note that the connection is established once and kept open in WebSocket, so there is no additional overhead.
- Low data update rate. The client (browser) couldn't get the data as soon as it appeared on the server. New data reached the browser only after the server had received the request. If it was important to get the data as soon as possible, the browser could contact the server more frequently, for example, once every 0.5 seconds. However, this placed an additional load on the network and the server, which had to conduct and process many requests.
On the other hand, WebSockets establish a full-duplex, always-on connection between client and server, allowing data to flow in both directions at any time — without waiting for a client-initiated request. This interactivity addresses many of the limitations of traditional HTTP communication. While HTTP/2 introduces improvements like multiplexing and connection reuse, it remains half-duplex and still follows a request-response pattern. To better understand the benefits of WebSockets, let’s compare them directly with HTTP.
How Does WebSocket Differ From HTTP?
Before the advent of Web Sockets, the primary protocol was and still remains HTTP. The HTTP protocol is unidirectional. After the request-response cycle, the connection is closed. Any subsequent request establishes a new connection to the server: as many requests as there are connections. It wasn't a problem for static content like an informational article on a website. But you need to refresh the page manually to find out about changes in interactive content (such as a new message in an online chat or comments).
The data transfer process is also somewhat delayed. This was especially true in early HTTP versions, where each request/response required a new connection — adding overhead and increasing network and server load with frequent polling.
While not directly related to HTTP, choosing the right database can impact the overall performance of real-time applications. For more on that, we recommend our article comparing MySQL and PostgreSQL vs MongoDB.
Pure HTTP protocol is used less now as HTTPS replaced it. It's not a standalone protocol but an add-on to HTTP that allows you to encrypt your data.
The first version of the WebSocket protocol appeared in 2009. Already in 2011, it received RFC (Request for Comments) status. It was recognized as a standard widely used on the World Wide Web. Today, WebSocket technology is used in all mobile, desktop, and server devices.
The WebSocket protocol is bidirectional, full-duplex, meaning it can both receive and transmit information. A WebSocket does this many times over a single open connection. This connection also has a higher speed than HTTP.
Web sockets also have the ability to encrypt data in transit — but this is only true when using the secure version, WebSocket Secure (WSS). If transmitted data is not encrypted, it becomes an object of attraction for such threats as unauthorized access to the client by third parties or the use of malware. Special add-on data transfer protocols encrypt information on the sending side and decrypt it on the receiving side, leaving it encrypted for any intermediaries. This adds a secure transport layer.
To illustrate the differences between HTTP and WebSocket, let's take a chat room example. For users to receive new messages, the browser would periodically ask the server if there were new messages for the user. Each such request would establish a new connection and cause unnecessary network load.
How Does WebSocket Work?
On the Internet, there are strict rules for transferring data between client and server (TCP/IP protocol stack), but there are no strict rules on establishing a connection and structuring the message transmitted. And this affects speed.
To establish a connection, WebSocket uses the open handshake method. The client precedes the sending/receiving of messages with a preliminary request, in which the client and the server "agree" to use web sockets. This is the "handshake". The structure of such a request is similar but slightly different from HTTP. The client and server then exchange data within that connection.
Web sockets also have additional extensions that supplement and extend the protocol. For example, there is an extension for data compression. Or the ability to transfer data in SOAP, WAMP, or XMPP protocols. For these extensions to work, they need to be supported by both the server and the client.
Pros and Cons of Using WebSocket
Knowing how to implement WebSocket in React allows developers to use WebSocket as a convenient technology for transmitting dynamically updated data. Its implementation allows developers to reduce the network and server side load and accelerate the website’s work. Now, lets discuss WebSocket advantages and disadvantages in detail.
WebSocket Advantages and Benefits for Real Time Communication
WebSocket enables real-time, two-way communication and is widely used in modern web applications. Here are its key benefits.
Low Latency and Real-Time Data Exchange
Real-time communication depends on minimal delays. WebSocket provides a long lived connection that ensures data flows instantly between client and server, enabling fast updates critical for interactive apps.
Persistent Connection for Active Communication
WebSocket maintains an open connection after the initial handshake, avoiding repeated HTTP requests. This persistent connection keeps the connection state alive, facilitating continuous data exchange without re-establishing links.
Full Duplex Bidirectional Communication
WebSocket supports bi directional communication, allowing both the client and server to send messages independently at the same time. This is vital for applications such as online gaming, collaborative tools, and live chat where instant interaction is needed.
Reduced Overhead Unlike HTTP Requests
Unlike HTTP requests, WebSocket avoids repetitive HTTP headers and connection setup. This significantly reduces overhead, resulting in more efficient use of web server and network resources.
Event-Driven Architecture for Real Time Functionality
The websocket API supports an event-driven model, enabling developers to react immediately to incoming data or connection changes. This design boosts real time functionality in modern applications.
Efficient Data Transfer and Server Resources Management
WebSocket technology transfers data efficiently, minimizing unnecessary traffic and optimizing server load.
Reduced Bandwidth Consumption with WebSocket Technology
By keeping connections open, WebSocket cuts down bandwidth used for repeated handshakes and headers, saving data costs and improving speed.
Efficient Resource Utilization for Server Side Operations
On the server side, managing persistent connections is more resource-friendly than alternatives, allowing better handling of simultaneous users.
Scalability for Modern Web Applications
For applications with many concurrent users, WebSocket can be more scalable than alternatives like HTTP Long Polling. Persistent connections allow for better resource management, particularly when using load balancers and other scaling strategies.
Improved User Experience with Real Time Data
WebSocket enables applications to deliver fluid, interactive experiences that users expect today.
Real-Time Updates and Dynamic Communication
Users receive updates instantly, whether it’s a new message or data refresh, without manual page reloads.
Smooth and Fluid Interactions via WebSocket API
The communication protocol ensures seamless interaction between client and server, enhancing responsiveness and engagement.
Versatile Applications for WebSocket Communication Protocol
WebSocket is best suited for use cases that demand real time functionality, dynamic updates, or continuous communication between server and client. Below are practical scenarios where WebSocket is the best bet.
Chat Applications with WebSocket Messages
Chats benefit from WebSocket messages that deliver real-time communication with low latency. Persistent connections ensure messages are sent and received without delay.
Online Games and Real Time Functionality
Multiplayer or competitive games require synchronized state across clients. WebSocket enables bi directional communication and low-latency updates critical for smooth gameplay.
Collaborative Tools and Dynamic Communication
Whether it’s editing documents or designing in teams, WebSocket allows users to collaborate with live, in-app updates. Both the client and server can send data as changes occur.
Live Dashboards and Real Time Data Monitoring
Live dashboards and analytics tools use WebSocket to push updated metrics, financial quotes, or exchange rates — especially in trading platforms and sales monitoring systems.
IoT Devices and Connected Communication
For IoT devices, WebSocket (often via the WAMP sub-protocol) allows for efficient, continuous device communication and control, even under limited network issues.
Building Management Systems with WebSocket Technology
Smart buildings and facilities require real-time monitoring and control. WebSocket enables event-driven automation, timely alerts, and seamless control interfaces.
As you can see, the benefits of WebSockets are sufficient. By the way, if you need to augment your team with devs profound in React JS, WebSockets, and SSE, you can hire React JS developers at MaybeWorks.
WebSocket Disadvantages and Limitations in Modern Browsers
While WebSocket offers many advantages, it also comes with several technical and practical limitations. Developers should carefully evaluate these when deciding whether it’s the right solution for their use case.
Complexity in WebSocket Implementation
Setting up WebSocket involves more than just opening a connection. It requires careful coordination between both the client and server, including managing events, maintaining state, and applying proper security measures.
Stateful Nature and Connection Management Challenges
WebSocket maintains a persistent state, which complicates things like load balancing and reconnections. If a client switches networks without properly closing the connection, the server layer may not detect the change, causing potential inconsistencies.
Scalability Issues with Multiple Requests Handling
Keeping thousands of WebSocket connections open consumes server memory and CPU. This resource consumption can limit scalability, especially compared to other protocols like HTTP/2 or gRPC that are more stateless by design.
No Built-in Reconnection for Network Issues
WebSocket doesn’t handle automatic reconnection. If a network issue disrupts the connection, developers must implement their own logic to detect and re-establish it — often requiring fallback strategies.
Firewall and Proxy Servers Compatibility Problems
Some proxy servers or firewalls may block or drop WebSocket connections, especially if not properly configured. This can make deployment trickier in corporate or restricted environments.
Security Risks and Cross Site WebSocket Hijacking
WebSocket lacks native safeguards against some attacks, such as Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking (CSWSH). Developers must enforce origin checks and authentication manually to ensure proper security measures are in place.
Limited Browser Support in Older Systems
Although modern browsers support WebSocket, older browsers or embedded systems may not. This restricts its use in environments that need broad compatibility across other languages and platforms.
No Automatic Caching Unlike HTTP Protocol
WebSocket doesn’t benefit from HTTP’s caching mechanisms. Since it streams live data, responses can’t be cached by default, which may increase data transfer even for repeated or similar messages.
Server-Side Configuration and Web Server Requirements
WebSocket requires additional configuration at the web server level. This includes enabling specific ports, handling upgrades from HTTP, and possibly managing binary data if the application demands it.
Yes, WebSocket drawbacks can ruin the project in the case of inexperienced developers. This is why it is necessary to hire Node.js developers with sufficient experience in WebSockets to overcome these WebSockets disadvantages.
Alternatives to WebSocket
We have discussed the pros and cons of WebSockets with you. WebSockets are generally preferred for applications requiring full-duplex communication and low latency, such as gaming or collaborative tools. Now, it is time to discuss its alternatives: Long Polling and SSE.
Long Polling
Long Polling is a method used to achieve near-real-time communication by keeping a connection open until the server has new information to send. Here’s how it works in practice:
- Mechanism. In Long Polling, the client makes a request to the server. If the server doesn’t have data available, it holds the request open until new data arrives. Once data is available or a timeout occurs, the server responds, and the client immediately initiates a new request.
- Performance considerations. This approach can simulate real-time updates but isn’t as efficient as WebSockets. Each new request involves the overhead of establishing a connection, which can lead to increased latency and server load. Long Polling also introduces delays since the client must wait for a new response after each request.
- Use cases. Long Polling is suitable for applications where WebSocket pros and cons can’t be balanced. It’s often used in scenarios like chat applications or live notifications where real-time data is needed but the overhead of WebSocket implementation isn’t justified.
Long Polling can be a fallback option when WebSocket isn’t feasible. It offers a simpler, though less efficient, method for real-time communication.
Server-Sent Events (SSE)
Server-Sent Events (SSE) is a technology for one-way communication from the server to the client. Here’s a detailed look:
- Mechanism. SSE establishes a persistent HTTP connection from the client to the server. The server sends updates as they become available, and the client receives these updates automatically. Unlike WebSockets, SSE only supports server-to-client communication, not the other way around.
- Performance considerations. SSE is more efficient for sending continuous updates from the server compared to Long Polling. It maintains a single connection, reducing the overhead of repeatedly opening and closing connections. SSE also supports automatic reconnection and event IDs, which can help manage connectivity issues and track messages.
- Use cases. SSE is ideal for applications where the client only needs to receive updates, such as live news feeds, stock price updates, or real-time notifications. It’s simpler to implement than WebSockets for these use cases but may not be suitable if two-way communication is required.
SSE is best suited for scenarios involving continuous server-to-client updates. It provides a more streamlined approach compared to Long Polling but lacks bidirectional communication. If you need to augment your team, we have Typescript developers for hire.
MaybeWorks — a Reliable IT Staff Augmentation Provider with Skilled WebSockets Developers
One of the last projects where our developers assisted in project development using WebSocket was a Zoom-like application that allows users to create rooms and have video calls with their friends/partners. The critical difference was that this project was more aimed at small and thematic groups who wanted to play some built-in games or just have fun talking to each other.
This client hired 2 MaybeWorks full-stack developers for his small team to assist in building the project. They:
- Developed the video chat based on the WebRTC using Twilio API
- Implemented Node JS of our API and socket server
- Rewrote the whole app on TypeScript
- Transferred all the data from MongoDB to PostgreSQL
Our developers worked with Typescript, NodeJS, Express, and WebSockets in the backend. They also worked with React and Twilio WebRTC API in the frontend.
As an IT staff augmentation provider, we allowed our client to get the required experts for Zoom-like app development quickly and effortlessly. Feel free to contact us right now!
FAQ
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Are WebSockets suitable for streaming video or audio?
Yes. However, they may not be the most efficient choice for high-bandwidth streaming needs. Protocols like WebRTC are often preferred for these applications due to their optimized handling of media streams. WebSockets can still be used if the streaming requirements are not too demanding.
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What are the alternatives to WebSockets for real-time communication?
Alternatives to WebSockets include WebRTC, Server-Sent Events (SSE), and HTTP/2. WebRTC is designed specifically for real-time media and peer-to-peer communication. SSE is suitable for server-to-client streaming of updates. HTTP/2 also supports multiplexed streams over a single connection. Each alternative has its own strengths and best-use scenarios.
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Are WebSockets secure?
WebSockets can be secure when used with proper configurations and practices. Using WSS (WebSocket Secure) ensures that data transmitted over WebSockets is encrypted, similar to HTTPS. However, security also depends on the implementation, including proper handling of authentication and validation. Without these measures, WebSockets can be vulnerable to attacks.
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What are the security considerations when using WebSockets?
It's important to use WSS to encrypt data and protect against eavesdropping. Implementing robust authentication mechanisms is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. Validating all incoming data to guard against potential attacks, such as cross-site WebSocket hijacking, is also important.
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How do WebSockets impact server scalability?
WebSockets maintain a persistent connection, which can consume server resources and potentially impact scalability. Each active WebSocket connection requires server memory and processing power, which can add up with a large number of users. To manage scalability, techniques such as load balancing and efficient resource management should be employed.
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Can WebSockets be used in mobile applications?
Yes. WebSockets are supported by most modern mobile platforms. They provide a way to maintain a continuous connection, which can be useful for applications that require instant updates. However, mobile network conditions and power consumption should be considered when using WebSockets.
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Can WebSockets reconnect automatically after a disconnection?
WebSockets do not have built-in automatic reconnection features.
