# Chat and Signaling comparison (/en/realtime-media/im/reference/comparison-chat-signalling)

> For AI agents: see the complete documentation index at [llms.txt](/llms.txt).

The choice between Chat and Signaling requires a comprehensive evaluation according to your business demands and subsequent extensions.

The main use cases for Signaling and Chat are:

* Chat targets instant messaging use-case, it provides mature SDK integration and versatile user experience.
* Signaling is widely used in multiple use-cases.

The following table explains the similarities and differences between Signaling and Chat:

| Domain                     | Signaling                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          | Chat                                                                                                                                                                 |
| :------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Technical architecture** | A distributed system where data can be processed and switched on edge nodes.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       | A centralized system where data is processed and switched on the central node.                                                                                       |
| **Product positioning**    | A highly reliable synchronization and transportation service for signals, messages, and statuses that features low latency and high concurrency.                                                                                                                                                                                                   | A highly interactive instant messaging service that provides contact management, multimedia messages, chat rooms, chat groups, data storage, and content moderation. |
| **Latency performance**    | Ultra-low latency: Online education with collaborative operations of teacher and students on slides and other elementsReal-time data synchronization of the statuses, positions, and attributes from players.Virtual gifting for live streamers.Data reporting by IoT sensors.Call invitations and host management in voice calls and video calls. | Instant messaging for business.Group chats in games.Interactive chats in live streaming channels.                                                                    |

Chat and Signaling functionalities overlap in certain use-cases, such as bullet screen.