Recording Media Streams in a Headless Browser Using Puppeteer (navigator Undefined Issue)

Other Questions Headless Browser
1

I am working on a web conferencing application with a Node.js (Express) backend, and I need to save recordings of the conferences on the server. I considered using a headless browser like Puppeteer to join each conference and capture the media streams, but I encountered an issue where the navigator is not defined in my headless environment. Is there a workaround for this? If not, could anyone with expertise provide alternative methods for server-side recording of these conferences? I am planning to create a WebRTC application, likely using a Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU) such as Kurento.

2

Recording media streams in a headless browser using Puppeteer can indeed be challenging. The issue with "navigator" being undefined is common in headless environments as they lack full browser capabilities. Here’s a more efficient and practical workaround:

Instead of relying on Puppeteer, consider utilizing server-side WebRTC with a Selective Forwarding Unit (SFU) like Kurento, which you’ve already mentioned. SFUs are designed to handle media streams more effectively.

Here’s a basic approach you can take:

  1. Set up Kurento: Start by installing and configuring Kurento Media Server. It efficiently handles signaling and media stream routing.
  2. Capture Media Streams: Use Kurento's API to connect to your WebRTC application. This allows you to record streams directly, avoiding headless browser limitations.
  3. Save Recordings: Implement the recording functionality using Kurento’s recording capabilities. It can save the recordings in your desired format.
  4. Storage and Access: Once recorded, you can store these files on your server and access them as needed.

Using an SFU like Kurento not only overcomes the undefined "navigator" issue but also provides a more scalable and efficient solution for handling multiple media streams on the server side.

This approach should optimize your workflow and save you valuable time in the long run.

3

Facing "navigator" undefined issues in a headless Puppeteer environment is a known limitation, primarily because headless browsers lack complete browser functionalities like user media capabilities. An alternative approach could bypass this limitation effectively:

Rather than trying to adapt Puppeteer for media captures, consider deploying media server solutions like Kurento or Jitsi that have native support for WebRTC and are built to handle tasks related to media capturing, routing, and recording.

Here's a concise alternative outline:

  1. Leverage WebRTC-Compatible Media Servers: Media servers such as Kurento or Jitsi can directly handle the audio and video streams provided by your WebRTC application. These tools are designed for tasks like conferencing and recording and bypass the limitations inherent in a headless browser setup.
  2. Configuration and Integration: Choose a media server based on your specific needs and scalability. Set it up to interface with your WebRTC application and handle recording directly. With Kurento or Jitsi, you can manage many flows seamlessly.
  3. Direct Stream Handling: Media servers provide APIs that allow you to subscribe to and record streams directly, which ensures efficient handling of streams, especially in environments with high concurrent flows.
  4. Scalability and Performance: Using dedicated media servers ensures better management of resources and improves performance, enabling your system to scale effectively as your user base grows.

This method leverages tools specifically built for handling WebRTC streams, circumventing the limitations you face with Puppeteer, and providing a robust and scalable solution for server-side conference recording.