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Sockets

The document provides an overview of sockets in Linux, explaining their definition, components, and types of communication. It details the types of sockets (TCP and UDP), real-world applications, and includes examples for setting up a simple server and client. Additionally, it discusses advanced features, compares sockets with REST, and presents problems with solutions related to socket programming.

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2 views4 pages

Sockets

The document provides an overview of sockets in Linux, explaining their definition, components, and types of communication. It details the types of sockets (TCP and UDP), real-world applications, and includes examples for setting up a simple server and client. Additionally, it discusses advanced features, compares sockets with REST, and presents problems with solutions related to socket programming.

Uploaded by

delia.racu27
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Sockets in Linux

1. Introduction to Sockets

●​ Definition: A socket is an endpoint for communication between two machines or


processes, enabling data exchange over a network or within the same system.
●​ Components:
○​ IP Address: Identifies the host.
○​ Port Number: Identifies the specific application or service.
●​ Types of Communication:
○​ Inter-process communication: Using 127.0.0.1 (localhost).
○​ Network communication: Between different machines.
●​ Supported Languages:
○​ Sockets can be implemented in C, Python, Java, Node.js, and others. In this
course, Linux Bash scripts are used.

2. Types of Sockets

●​ Stream (TCP) Sockets:


○​ Provides reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data.
○​ Used for web browsing, emails, and file transfers.
●​ Datagram (UDP) Sockets:
○​ Focuses on speed; data delivery may be unreliable or unordered.
○​ Commonly used for video streaming and online gaming.

3. Real-World Applications

●​ Web Servers: Handle client requests and send responses.


●​ Chat Applications: Enable real-time messaging.
●​ FTP (File Transfer Protocol): Transfer files over a network.
●​ Online Gaming: Real-time player interactions.

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4. Setting Up a Simple Server and Client

●​ Server:
○​ Listens for incoming connections on a specific port.

Example:​
nc -l -p 12345

●​ Client:
○​ Connects to a server’s IP and port.

Example:​
nc 127.0.0.1 12345

●​ Terminate the Connection:


○​ Use Ctrl + C or EOF (^D).

5. Scenarios in Socket Communication

●​ Single Connection:
○​ A single client connects to a server.
●​ Multiple Sequential Connections:
○​ A single client reconnects multiple times while the server remains active.
●​ Concurrent Connections:
○​ Multiple clients connect to the same server simultaneously.

6. Writing Scripts for Sockets

●​ File Transfer Example:

Client:​
#!/bin/bash
nc 127.0.0.1 12345 < file_to_send.txt

Server:​
#!/bin/bash
nc -l -p 12345 > received_file.txt

●​ Date and Time Exchange Example:

Client:​
#!/bin/bash
echo $(date) | nc 127.0.0.1 12345
Server:​
#!/bin/bash
nc -l -p 12345

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7. Sockets vs. REST

●​ Sockets:
○​ Used for low-latency, real-time communication.
○​ Protocol: TCP/UDP.
○​ Suitable for chat applications, gaming, and live streams.
●​ REST:
○​ Used for structured data exchange over HTTP/HTTPS.
○​ Protocol: JSON or XML.
○​ Ideal for APIs and web services.

8. Advanced Socket Features

●​ Encrypted Sockets:

Use ncat with SSL for secure communication.​


ncat --ssl -l -p 12345

●​ Handling Multiple Connections:

Use the -k option to keep the server active.​


nc -k -l -p 12345

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Problems with Solutions

Problem 1: Echo Server: Write a server that echoes back any message it receives.
Server:​
nc -l -p 12345

Client:​
echo "Hello, Server!" | nc 127.0.0.1 12345

Problem 2: File Transfer Transfer a file from client to server.


Client:​
nc 127.0.0.1 12345 < file.txt
Server:​
nc -l -p 12345 > received_file.txt

Problem 3: Chat Application Create a simple chat between two terminals.


Terminal 1 (Server):​
nc -l -p 12345
Terminal 2 (Client):​
nc 127.0.0.1 12345

Problem 4: Send System Info Client sends the current date and time to the server.
Client:​
echo $(date) | nc 127.0.0.1 12345
Server:​
nc -l -p 12345

Problem 5: Concurrent Clients Allow multiple clients to connect simultaneously.


Server:​
nc -k -l -p 12345
Clients:​
echo "Client 1" | nc 127.0.0.1 12345
echo "Client 2" | nc 127.0.0.1 12345

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