Core concepts
Updated
Key concepts for understanding how Media Gateway fits into Agora real-time media workflows.
RTC (Real-Time Communication) refers to real-time communication technology that allows almost instant exchange of audio, video, and other data between the sender and the receiver.
Agora SDKs provide real-time audio and video interaction services, with multi-platform and multi-device support. This includes high-definition video calls, voice-only calls, interactive live streaming, as well as one-on-one and multi-group chats.
This article introduces the key processes and concepts you need to know to use Agora SDKs.
Using the Agora Console
To use Agora SDKs, create an audio and video project in the Agora Console first. See Agora account management for details.
Agora Console
Agora Console is the main dashboard where you manage your Agora projects and services.
General concepts
App ID
The App ID is a random string generated within Agora Console when you create a new project.
App certificate
An App certificate is a string generated by Agora Console to enable token authentication.
Token
A token is a dynamic key that the Agora authentication server uses to check user permissions.
Channel
Agora uses the channel name to identify a channel. Users who specify the same channel name join a common channel and interact with each other.
Channel profile
Agora supports multiple channel profiles, including COMMUNICATION and LIVE_BROADCASTING.
| Channel profile | Description |
|---|---|
COMMUNICATION | Suitable for one-on-one or group calls, where all users in the channel talk freely. |
LIVE_BROADCASTING | In a live streaming channel, users have two client roles: host and audience. Hosts send and receive audio or video, while audience members only receive audio or video with sending disabled. |
Stream
A stream is a sequence of digitally encoded coherent signals that contains audio or video data.
Publish
Publishing is the act of sending a user's audio or video data to the channel.
Subscribe
Subscribing is the act of receiving media streams published by remote users to the channel.
User ID
A User ID (UID) identifies a user in a channel.
User role
A user role defines whether users in the channel have permission to publish streams.
Connection (RtcConnection)
The connection between the SDK and the channel. When you need to publish or receive multiple streams in multiple channels, a connection specifies the target channel.
Agora SDRTN(R)
Agora's core engagement services are powered by its Software-Defined Real-Time Network, which is accessible and available globally with low latency and high availability.