Reliability of Video Conferencing Applications Based on the WebRTC Standard Used on Different Web Platforms

Abstract

Video conferencing applications allow two or more people to connect and conduct video calls. During the call, people can see and hear each other. Therefore, to make a video call we need a device equipped with a camera and a microphone. One of the technologies that permits us to send video and audio stream is WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication). In the paper, the applications using the WebRTC technology were tested for performance and reliability. Application performance refers to image quality, delay, number of frames depending on the speed of the Internet connection, and its type. The reliability was checked for establishing a connection in various environments (Web browser or mobile device) and maintaining the established connection during changing conditions (accidental interruption, interruption due to external circumstances or errors). The purpose of the experimental research was to examine the WebRTC technology in the context of using it to conduct video conferences on desktop and mobile platforms. The performance of this technology was tested on the native as well as developed implementations available by the most popular browsers.