Why Server-Sent Events Beat WebSockets for Unidirectional Streaming
When streaming real-time analytics, AI generation tokens, or financial price feeds to web clients, deploying full-duplex WebSockets is often unnecessary architectural overkill. WebSockets require stateful proxy sticky sessions, complex reconnection protocols, and custom heartbeat ping/pong mechanisms. Server-Sent Events (SSE) in Next.js 15 operate over standard HTTP/2, providing automated reconnection, polyfill-free browser support via the native EventSource API, and seamless proxy traversal.
Documented by Saizul Amin for frontend systems engineers and real-time dashboard developers.
Next.js 15 Route Handler SSE Implementation
// app/api/sse/route.ts
import { NextRequest } from '\''next/server'\'';
export async function GET(req: NextRequest) {
const encoder = new TextEncoder();
const customStream = new ReadableStream({
async start(controller) {
for (let i = 0; i < 100; i++) {
const payload = `data: ${JSON.stringify({ count: i, timestamp: Date.now() })}
`;
controller.enqueue(encoder.encode(payload));
await new Promise((resolve) => setTimeout(resolve, 1000));
}
controller.close();
},
});
return new Response(customStream, {
headers: {
'\''Content-Type'\'': '\''text/event-stream'\'',
'\''Cache-Control'\'': '\''no-cache, no-transform'\'',
'\''Connection'\'': '\''keep-alive'\'',
},
});
}
Saizul Amin is a digital growth strategist and SEO consultant specialising in search engine optimisation, web development, AI-powered automation, and online income systems. With 8 years of hands-on experience helping businesses and individual creators grow their online presence, Saizul combines technical expertise with practical, results-driven strategy.
Experience & Background
Saizul started his digital career in 2017, initially working with Bioscope Limited to build and optimise websites for organic search traffic. Over the years, he has worked across industries including DGHS, NAVANA, UNICampus, UNIPathways, UniqueMark, developing a deep understanding of what it takes to rank, convert, and grow sustainably online.
His work spans the full digital stack — from technical SEO audits and content strategy to WordPress development, marketing automation, and AI tool integration for small businesses and startups.
What He Covers on This Blog
Every article on SaizulAmin.com is written from direct experience. Saizul does not publish theoretical content — every guide, tool recommendation, and strategy shared here has been tested and applied in real projects. Topics include:
- Search engine optimisation (on-page, technical, and content SEO)
- Digital marketing strategy and growth systems
- AI tools and automation for business productivity
- Web development, WordPress, and website building
- Making money online through freelancing and affiliate marketing
Why Trust This Content
All recommendations on this site reflect tools and strategies Saizul actively uses or has personally evaluated. Where affiliate relationships exist, they are clearly disclosed. Content is regularly reviewed and updated to reflect current best practices and algorithm changes.