Sockets
🌐 What are Sockets?
Sockets provide a standard mechanism for processes to communicate over a network or within the same system. In the realm of embedded systems, sockets are invaluable, facilitating robust and efficient inter-process communication (IPC).
💻 Socket Types in Embedded Systems:
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Stream Sockets (SOCK_STREAM):
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Reliable and connection-oriented.
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Typically use TCP.
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Suited for continuous data streams.
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Datagram Sockets (SOCK_DGRAM):
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Connectionless and often faster.
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Generally use UDP.
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Ideal for short, discrete messages.
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🔗 How Sockets Work:
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Creation: Using the socket() system call.
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Binding: bind() associates the socket with a specific address and port.
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Listening & Accepting: For server-side sockets to receive connections.
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Connecting: Client-side sockets initiate a connection.
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Data Transfer: Through send() and recv() or write() and read() functions.
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Closing: close() terminates the connection.
🛠 Embedded Systems Application:
With constrained resources, embedded systems utilize sockets efficiently to enable IPC, vital for real-time data transfer, control commands, and network communication. Applications range from home automation to industrial control systems, where rapid, reliable IPC is non-negotiable.
🌟 Key Benefits:
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Standardization: Uniform API for various protocols.
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Versatility: Supports multiple communication styles.
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Scalability: Facilitates communication between different devices and systems.