Core concepts

Combining Agora’s real-time audio communication with OpenAI’s Large Language Models (LLMs) opens up new possibilities for creating powerful, interactive voice-driven applications.

This guide introduces the key processes and concepts you need to know to use Agora's platform effectively.

The App ID is a unique key generated by Agora to identify each project and provide billing and other statistical data services. The App ID is critical for connecting users within your app. It is used to initialize the Agora Engine in your app, and as one of the required keys to create authentication tokens for secure communication. Retrieve the App ID for your project using the Agora Console.

App IDs are stored on the front-end client and do not provide access control. Projects using only an App ID allow any user with the App ID to join. For access control, especially in production environments, choose the App ID + Token mechanism for user authentication when creating a new project. Without authentication tokens, your environment is open to anyone with access to your App ID.

An App Certificate is a unique key generated by the Agora Console to secure projects through token authentication. It is required, along with the App ID, to generate a token that proves authorization between your systems and Agora's network. App Certificates are used to generate authentication tokens.

Store the App Certificate securely in your backend systems. If your App Certificate is compromised or to meet security compliance requirements, you can invalidate certificates and create new ones through the Agora Console.

A token is a dynamic key generated using the App ID, App Certificate, user ID, and expiration timestamp. Tokens authenticate and secure access to Agora's services, ensuring only authorized users can join a channel and participate in real-time communication.

Tokens are generated on your server and passed to the client for use in . The token generation process involves digitally signing the App ID, App Certificate, user ID, and expiration timestamp using a specific algorithm, preventing tampering or forgery.

During development and testing, use the Agora Console to generate temporary tokens. For production environments, implement a token server as part of your security infrastructure to control access to your channels.

For information on setting up a token server for generating and managing tokens, refer to the guide on Secure authentication with tokens.

A channel organizes users into a group and is identified by a unique channel name. Users who connect to the same channel are able to communicate with each other. A channel is created when the first user joins and ceases to exist when the last user leaves.

Channels are created by calling the methods for transmitting real-time data. Agora uses different channels to transmit different types of data:

• A Video SDK channel is used for transmitting audio or video data.

• A Signaling channel is used for transmitting messaging or signaling data.

These channels are independent of each other.

Additional services provided by Agora, such as Cloud Recording and Speech to Text, join the channel to provide real-time recording, transmission acceleration, media playback, and content moderation.

In , the UID is an integer value that uniquely identifies a user within the context of a channel. When joining a channel, you have the option to either assign a specific UID to the user or pass 0 or null and allow Agora to automatically generate and assign a UID to the user. If two users attempt to join the same channel with the same UID, it can lead to unexpected behavior.

The UID is used by Agora's services and components to identify and manage users within a channel. Ensure that UIDs are properly assigned to prevent conflicts.

Agora's core engagement services are powered by its Software-Defined Real-time Network (SD-RTN™), a global infrastructure accessible anytime, anywhere. Unlike traditional networks, Agora SD-RTN™ is not restricted by devices, phone numbers, or telecom coverage areas. With data centers in over 200 countries and regions, it ensures sub-second latency and high availability for real-time media.

Agora SD-RTN™ enables live user engagement through real-time communication (RTC), offering:

• Unmatched quality of service
• High availability and accessibility
• True scalability
• Low cost

Agora Console is the main dashboard where you manage your Agora projects and services. Before you can use Agora's SDKs, you must first create a project in the Agora Console. See Agora account management for details.

Agora Console provides an intuitive interface for developers to query and manage their Agora account. After registering an Agora account, you use the Agora Console to perform the following tasks:

• Manage your account
• Create and configure Agora projects and services
• Get an App ID and the App certificate
• Generate temporary tokens for development and testing
• Manage members and roles
• Check call quality and usage
• Check bills and make payments
• Access product resources

See Agora account management for details on how to manage all aspects of your Agora account.

Agora also provides RESTful APIs that you use to implement features such as creating a project and fetching usage numbers programmatically.

Agora offers RESTful APIs across many of its products. For details, see RESTful API.