Why it matters

Signaling is where WebRTC integration usually stumbles. Understanding the exchange patterns saves debugging time.

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The architecture

Peer A creates offer (SDP with capabilities); sends via signaling to peer B.

Peer B sets remote description; creates answer; sends back.

Both peers gather ICE candidates (possible connection paths); trickle to each other via signaling.

Signaling exchangeOffer/AnswerSDP exchangeICE candidatespossible pathsSelected pairactual connectionTrickle ICE: send candidates as they're gathered; faster than waiting for all
Signaling steps.
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How it works end to end

Signaling server: WebSocket typical. Routes messages between peers by session ID.

Rooms: multiple peers coordinate via signaling server matchmaking.

Renegotiation: mid-session changes (add video track, screen share) require new offer/answer.