Centrifugo Real-Time Messaging Integration

Centrifugo is a self-hosted, language-agnostic real-time messaging server. It handles persistent connections (WebSocket, SSE, HTTP-streaming, WebTransport, GRPC) and broadcasts messages via a channel-based PUB/SUB model. The application backend publishes to channels via Server API; Centrifugo delivers to online subscribers instantly.

Core Architecture

Backend App ──(HTTP/GRPC Server API)──> Centrifugo Cluster ──(WebSocket/SSE)──> Clients
                                              │
                                        Redis/NATS Broker
                                        (for multi-node)

Key principle: All user-generated data flows through the application backend first (validate, persist, then publish to Centrifugo). Centrifugo is the transport layer, not the source of truth.

Procedures

Step 1: Determine Integration Pattern