Configuring Apache2 to proxy WebSocket?

Question

The WebSocket protocol is an extension of the HTTP protocol. However, the proxy module of Apache2 does not seem to know about it, and throws away crucial headers, converting the call to a standard HTTP call.

Is there a way to make Apache2 either understand WebSockets, or simply blindly pass on whatever it gets?

Answer 1

There is nothing to indicate Apache httpd will support them anytime soon.

If you must run websockets through apache, try mod_pywebsocket. I have tried it, and it does work.

Here are a few alternatives I prefer:

• serve websockets on a different port, avoiding the Apache httpd altogether.
• try haproxy as suggested here.
• switch to Nginx, use tcp proxy module, read article.

Answer 2

Please take a look at http://github.com/disconnect/apache-websocket

The apache-websocket module is an Apache 2.x server module that may be used to process requests using the WebSocket protocol by an Apache 2.x server.

Answer 3

Looks like with a combination of the disconnect plugin and some extra code this is now possible:

http://blog.alex.org.uk/2012/02/16/using-apache-websocket-to-proxy-tcp-connection/