Following the WebSocket protocol

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 38 views

Introduction

The Test Compatibility Kit (TCK) is a set of tests designed to ensure that WebSocket implementations conform to the WebSocket protocol. However, a recent issue has been identified in the TCK, specifically in the idle timeout connection close behavior. In this article, we will delve into the details of this issue, explore the challenged tests, and discuss the implications of the TCK's behavior.

Challenged Tests

The challenged tests in question are located in the com.sun.ts.tests.websocket.spec.application.closing.WSCClientIT package, specifically in the connectionHasBeenClosedWithStatus1006AfterTimeoutTest method. This test is designed to verify that after a timeout, the WebSocket connection is closed with a status code of 1006 (NO_CLOSE). However, in Eclipse Jetty, the implementation sends a status code of 1001 (GOING_AWAY) on the network for idle timeout, which is what the Autobahn WebSocket Test Suite expects.

TCK Version

The TCK version in question is likely equivalent to 2.2, which is the latest version available at the time of writing.

Description

The test expects that after a timeout, the WebSocket connection is closed with a status code of 1006 (NO_CLOSE). However, in Eclipse Jetty, the implementation sends a status code of 1001 (GOING_AWAY) on the network for idle timeout, which is what the Autobahn WebSocket Test Suite expects. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the TCK's behavior and its implications on WebSocket implementations.

Additional Context

The TCK should not be dictating WebSocket protocol behaviors, as that is the responsibility of other testing suites. Instead, the TCK should be following the WebSocket protocol behavior and allowing for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout. This means that the TCK should be flexible and accommodate different implementations of the WebSocket protocol.

Implications

The implications of the TCK's behavior are significant. If the TCK continues to dictate specific close status codes for idle timeouts, it may lead to:

Incompatibility: Different WebSocket implementations may behave differently, leading to incompatibility issues between them.
Confusion: The TCK's behavior may cause confusion among developers, who may not understand the expected close status code for idle timeouts.
Innovation: The TCK's behavior may stifle innovation in the WebSocket protocol, as developers may be hesitant to implement new features or behaviors that may not be compatible with the TCK.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the TCK's idle timeout connection close behavior is a complex issue that requires careful consideration. The TCK should follow the WebSocket protocol behavior and allow for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout. This will ensure that WebSocket implementations are flexible and accommodate different behaviors, leading to a more compatible and innovative WebSocket ecosystem.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis, we recommend the following:

Update the TCK: Update the TCK to follow the WebSocket protocol behavior and allow for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout.
Improve Communication: Improve communication between the TCK and other testing suites to ensure that the TCK is not dictating specific close status codes for idle timeouts.
Encourage Innovation: Encourage innovation in the WebSocket protocol by allowing for different close status codes for idle timeouts.

Future Work

Future work should focus on:

Refining the TCK: Refine the TCK to ensure that it follows the WebSocket protocol behavior and allows for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout.
Improving Compatibility: Improve compatibility between WebSocket implementations by allowing for different close status codes for idle timeouts.
Encouraging Innovation: Encourage innovation in the WebSocket protocol by allowing for different close status codes for idle timeouts.

References

WebSocket Protocol
Autobahn WebSocket Test Suite
Eclipse Jetty
TCK: Idle Timeout Connection Close Behavior - Q&A =====================================================

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the TCK's idle timeout connection close behavior and its implications on WebSocket implementations. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this topic.

Q: What is the TCK's current behavior regarding idle timeout connection close?

A: The TCK currently expects that after a timeout, the WebSocket connection is closed with a status code of 1006 (NO_CLOSE). However, in Eclipse Jetty, the implementation sends a status code of 1001 (GOING_AWAY) on the network for idle timeout, which is what the Autobahn WebSocket Test Suite expects.

Q: Why is the TCK's behavior a problem?

A: The TCK's behavior is a problem because it may lead to incompatibility issues between different WebSocket implementations. If the TCK continues to dictate specific close status codes for idle timeouts, it may cause confusion among developers and stifle innovation in the WebSocket protocol.

Q: What is the recommended behavior for the TCK?

A: The recommended behavior for the TCK is to follow the WebSocket protocol behavior and allow for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout. This will ensure that WebSocket implementations are flexible and accommodate different behaviors, leading to a more compatible and innovative WebSocket ecosystem.

Q: How can the TCK be updated to follow the recommended behavior?

A: The TCK can be updated to follow the recommended behavior by:

Updating the test cases: Update the test cases to allow for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout.
Improving communication: Improve communication between the TCK and other testing suites to ensure that the TCK is not dictating specific close status codes for idle timeouts.
Encouraging innovation: Encourage innovation in the WebSocket protocol by allowing for different close status codes for idle timeouts.

Q: What are the benefits of updating the TCK to follow the recommended behavior?

A: The benefits of updating the TCK to follow the recommended behavior include:

Improved compatibility: Improved compatibility between WebSocket implementations.
Increased innovation: Increased innovation in the WebSocket protocol.
Reduced confusion: Reduced confusion among developers.

Q: How can developers ensure that their WebSocket implementation is compatible with the TCK's updated behavior?

A: Developers can ensure that their WebSocket implementation is compatible with the TCK's updated behavior by:

Following the WebSocket protocol: Following the WebSocket protocol behavior and allowing for any of the legitimate close status codes for an idle timeout.
Testing their implementation: Testing their implementation to ensure that it is compatible with the TCK's updated behavior.
Staying up-to-date with the TCK: Staying up-to-date with the TCK's updates and changes.

Q: What is the timeline for updating the TCK to follow the recommended behavior?

A: The timeline for updating the TCK to follow the recommended behavior is not yet determined. However, it is expected that the update will be completed in the near future.