Data transport & protocols

PubNub is protocol agnostic, offering a Data Stream Network that prioritizes a protocol-independent, open mobile web. This means that PubNub uses the optimal protocol to ensure connectivity across any environment. Challenges like cell tower switching, double NAT environments, and restrictions from antivirus software or proxy border authorities can trip up protocols such as WebSockets. To counter these, PubNub provides client libraries that automatically switch protocols, removing socket-level complexities and facilitating the development of apps that communicate in real-time.

Over time, PubNub has leveraged a variety of protocols, including WebSockets, MQTT, COMET, BOSH, SPDY, and long polling, while also exploring new architectures like HTTP 2.0. The core strength of PubNub lies in ensuring functionality across diverse network environments, maintaining minimal bandwidth overhead and low battery consumption, especially on mobile devices.

Transport becomes a non-issue as PubNub uses the most efficient and versatile protocol for any given programming environment, accessible through a straightforward API. Client and server SDKs are continuously updated to align with emerging standards, shielding developers from technical protocol details. This enables developers to focus on delivering app functionality, backed by a communication backbone that guarantees performance and reliability. PubNub itself can be viewed as a scalable, secure, and fast pseudo-protocol, allowing developers to concentrate on innovation rather than communication complexities.