Signaling Server
A signaling server is a network component that facilitates the establishment of peer-to-peer connections, typically in WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) applications. It exchanges metadata like session descriptions and network information between clients to enable direct communication without routing all data through the server. This reduces latency and server load, making it essential for real-time applications like video conferencing, online gaming, and live streaming.
Developers should learn and use signaling servers when building real-time, peer-to-peer applications that require low-latency communication, such as video chat apps, collaborative tools, or multiplayer games. It's crucial for initial handshake and negotiation phases in WebRTC, where clients need to discover each other's network addresses and capabilities before establishing direct connections. Without a signaling server, peers cannot coordinate the setup of secure, efficient data channels.