Introduction to WebSocket Technology
WebSocket is a revolutionary protocol introduced in HTML5 that enables full-duplex communication between clients and servers. This bidirectional data transfer capability allows for rapid information exchange with minimal overhead. By establishing a persistent connection through a simple handshake process, servers can push updates to clients based on predefined business logic.
Key Advantages of WebSocket
- Minimal Header Size: Data transmissions carry compact headers of approximately 2 bytes
- Bidirectional Communication: Both client and server can initiate data transfers
- Resource Efficiency: Eliminates repeated TCP connection establishment/termination cycles, conserving bandwidth and server resources
Connection Management Best Practices
Connection Limits:
- Maximum 3 connections per second (IP-based)
- Private channels require dedicated service endpoints when subscribing
Request Limitations:
- 480 total requests per hour per connection (includes subscribe/unsubscribe/login operations)
- Automatic disconnection occurs after 30 seconds of inactivity post-connection
- Sessions terminate if no data pushes occur within 30 seconds of subscription
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Connection Maintenance Protocol
To ensure stable and responsive connections:
- Implement a timer (N < 30 seconds) after each received message
- Send 'ping' if the timer triggers (indicating no new messages)
- Expect 'pong' response within N seconds - reconnect on failure
Notification System Architecture
WebSocket implements a dedicated message type (event=notice) for system communications. Users receive these notifications during:
- Service upgrade disconnections (30-second advance warning)
- Critical infrastructure changes
- Scheduled maintenance events
Example Notification Response:
{
"event": "notice",
"message": "Service upgrade scheduled - please reconnect"
}Frequently Asked Questions
What makes WebSocket superior to HTTP polling?
WebSocket maintains persistent connections, eliminating the overhead of repeated HTTP handshakes while enabling server push capabilities - crucial for real-time applications.
How does WebSocket handle disconnections?
The protocol includes built-in ping/pong mechanisms for connection health monitoring and provides advance notice for scheduled disconnections.
What are the security considerations for WebSocket?
Always use WSS (WebSocket Secure) for encrypted connections, implement proper authentication for private channels, and monitor connection attempts.
Can WebSocket replace REST APIs entirely?
While excellent for real-time data, WebSocket complements rather than replaces REST APIs - use both according to specific use case requirements.
What's the typical WebSocket message size limit?
Most implementations support messages up to 16KB, though optimal performance is achieved with smaller, more frequent transmissions.
How do browser limitations affect WebSocket?
Modern browsers support multiple concurrent WebSocket connections (typically 6 per domain), but mobile browsers may impose stricter limits.
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