v131 · isolated web apps-specific api

Direct Sockets API

Allows Isolated Web Apps to establish direct transmission control protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) communications with network devices and systems as well as listen to and accept incoming connections.

concepts

  1. Direct Sockets

    Direct Sockets (TCP/UDP) for Isolated Web Apps — first-class network programming without going through HTTP.

  2. UDPSocket datagrams

    Probe connected UDP, then attempt a bound multicast listener for mDNS / SSDP discovery while surfacing the IWA and permission-policy gates.

  3. TCPSocket client

    Manual TCP write + read loop. Talk to a legacy protocol that doesn't speak HTTP — SMTP, IRC, industrial endpoints.

  4. TCPServerSocket listener

    An IWA listening for inbound connections. The "web app is the server" pattern for kiosk daemons and lab instruments.

why it shipped

Many network devices use their own protocols over TCP or UDP, instead of using HTTPS.

references