Exploring IoT's Top WebRTC Use Cases

Around the world, 127 new devices are connected to the Internet every second. That translates to 329 million new devices hooked up to the Internet of Things (IoT) every month. The IoT landscape is expanding by the day, and, consequently, novel ways of running an IoT network are also evolving. An emerging area of interest is developing new ways of sharing data between IoT devices, like transmitting a video feed from a surveillance camera to a phone.

One well-known way to transmit data is with Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC), a technology that enables web applications and physical devices to capture and stream media, as well as to exchange data between browsers and devices without requiring an intermediary. For developers creating a primarily audio- or video-based application, WebRTC is one of the best options available.

Here, I’ll explain when you should use WebRTC and some use cases, ranging from the practical to the creative.

How Does WebRTC Work in IoT?

As its full name states, WebRTC enables real-time communication by creating direct peer-to-peer connections between devices. This design eliminates the need for centralized servers, which in turn reduces delays and ensures faster data exchange. By connecting devices directly, WebRTC minimizes the time required for information to travel, making it ideal for applications requiring quick responses.

To maintain smooth performance, WebRTC dynamically adjusts the quality of audio and video streams based on network conditions. If bandwidth decreases, it lowers the bitrate to avoid interruptions, and when the connection improves, it increases the bitrate to enhance quality. This adaptability ensures a more consistent experience even in fluctuating network environments.

WebRTC works well with advanced media codecs like VP8 for video and Opus for audio. A codec is a tool that encodes and decodes data, turning raw audio or video signals into compressed formats that can be sent over networks. These codecs reduce the size of the data streams without sacrificing much quality, making it possible to send high-quality audio and video while using less bandwidth. For IoT devices like cameras or microphones, this is essential to keep communication clear and reliable, even when network conditions aren’t perfect.

When Should I Use WebRTC?

WebRTC use cases are particularly suited for IoT applications requiring high-quality, low-latency communication. While it’s widely recognized for audio and video streaming, WebRTC also supports sending other types of data, such as sensor readings or control signals.

Here are three situations in which WebRTC excels:

1. Audio/visual applications. Devices that require real-time streaming capabilities can use WebRTC to ensure smooth, high-quality video and audio transmission.
2. Data transmission. WebRTC allows IoT devices to send and receive data that isn’t audio or video, such as sensor readings or device updates. For example, a smart thermostat could share temperature readings with other devices in a home automation system or receive adjustment commands directly from a user, all without a centralized server.
3. Real-time control. Remote commands for IoT devices, such as locking/unlocking doors or operating a robotic device, benefit from WebRTC’s low-latency capabilities.

In essence, WebRTC can handle both high-quality media streaming and efficient data sharing, making it a versatile tool for IoT developers.

WebRTC Use Cases

When it comes to imagining use cases for WebRTC, the possibilities are really endless. Most developers who use WebRTC are already very familiar with common use cases like home video surveillance, doorbell cameras, and dashcams, so I’m going to focus on less well-known applications that might not immediately come to mind. 

From streamlining package deliveries to revolutionizing agriculture, WebRTC empowers IoT devices to offer real-time visibility and control, demonstrating its versatility in a wide range of scenarios. Here are some of the more diverse and innovative applications of WebRTC in the IoT world:

1. Mail and Package Monitoring

A smart mailbox equipped with a camera and WebRTC technology can instantly notify homeowners when packages are delivered, sending real-time alerts to their smartphones or other connected devices. This system can monitor not only the arrival of deliveries but also detect signs of theft or tampering.

2. Greenhouse and Crop Monitoring

WebRTC-enabled cameras in greenhouses or on agricultural fields can provide farmers with the ability to remotely monitor crop health and environmental conditions. These cameras can stream live footage, allowing farmers to visually assess plant growth, check for signs of pests or disease, and ensure irrigation systems are functioning properly. WebRTC also supports the integration of sensor data, such as soil moisture or temperature, so farmers can receive comprehensive updates and make timely decisions.

3. Aquarium Monitoring

Fish tank enthusiasts can use WebRTC-enabled cameras to check on their fish remotely. These setups can monitor water levels and ensure automatic feeders are functioning properly, providing peace of mind while users are away from home.

4. Outdoor Wildlife Tracking

Motion-activated cameras powered by WebRTC can be installed in natural habitats, such as forests or gardens, to capture wildlife sightings and behavioral patterns. These cameras enable researchers or nature enthusiasts to monitor animals in real time without disturbing the natural environment. With WebRTC, the footage can stream directly to smartphones or computers, allowing remote observation.

5. Weather Monitoring

WebRTC-enabled fisheye cameras in weather stations can provide visual data on climate conditions, while sensor data can monitor metrics like humidity, rainfall, temperature, etc. The combination of video and sensor data improves the accuracy of weather forecasts, particularly in extreme or rapidly changing weather situations.

6. Smart Beehives

Beekeepers can use WebRTC-powered internal cameras to monitor the conditions inside beehives without disturbing the bees. These cameras allow beekeepers to observe hive behavior, such as the health of the queen, the activity of worker bees, and the presence of pests, all from a distance. WebRTC’s low-latency streaming makes it possible to track these conditions in real time, offering insights into hive activity. 

Additionally, temperature, humidity, and weight sensors integrated into the beehive can be monitored through WebRTC, providing a full picture of hive health and helping beekeepers take timely action.

7. Smart Home Technology

Sensors in the home can monitor light conditions, temperature, etc., and automatically adjust utilities based on preprogrammed instructions. Moreover, if a room system detects that no one is present, it can automatically adjust the heating or lighting to conserve energy.

Final thoughts

The ability of WebRTC to provide real-time, secure, and high-quality data exchange offers new possibilities for creativity in IoT. Its versatility makes it ideal for innovation, offering developers the freedom to think beyond traditional limitations. By adopting WebRTC, IoT applications can evolve into smarter, faster, and more reliable systems in places never thought possible — like the inside of a beehive.

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