Using HTML5 Websockets, can I open a socket directly between 2 clients (browsers) (assuming I know their IP addresses and there are no NAT traversal issues). I want to send some data directly from one browser to another browser, essentially creating a P2P network. Everything I've read so far on the web, websockets are all used to communicate between client and server, but nothing about client to client.
3 Answers
42
votes
No
Already answered here for more details: Do websockets allow for p2p (browser to browser) communication?
Update:
The WebRTC protocol and API is making rapid progress and allows a Data Channel to be established between two peers (you still may need a STUN/TURN server for the initial NAT traversal and setup).
7
votes
From past to future: Pick your implementation.
- Most modern browsers support peer to proxy to peer using Websockets.
- Peer to peer is only available using certain browsers plug-ins for example Opera Unite and FireFox Pow.
- Major browsers are in the process of implementing WebRTC which will allow peer to peer.
2
votes
If you just don't want to implement server your self you can use https://httprelay.io . No additional libraries required, all communication based on simple AJAX calls.
