Implementation of Real-Time Chat Using Pusher on Vocaject Application to Support Project-Based Learning

Abstract

The rapid advancement of information technology has given rise to various digital platforms designed to facilitate remote communication and collaboration. However, communication effectiveness is often hindered because not all applications provide optimal real-time interaction features. Vocational Project (Vocaject), an application supporting Project-Based Learning (PBL) in academic environments, currently faces challenges in facilitating instant communication between lecturers, students, and industrial partners due to the lack of a reliable chat feature. This study aims to bridge this gap by implementing a real-time chat feature using Pusher technology integrated into the Vocaject application. The development methodology includes websocket-based system design, interface implementation, as well as functionality and network performance testing. Functional validation was conducted using the Black Box Testing method, while network performance was analyzed using Quality of Service (QoS) parameters including throughput, packet loss, delay, and jitter. Functional test results showed a 100% success rate across all usage scenarios. Meanwhile, QoS analysis on data transmission from user to server resulted in an average throughput of 5.858 kbps, packet loss of 8.31%, delay of 0.992 ms, and jitter of 0.984 ms, categorized as good network performance. Conversely, the response from server to user recorded an average throughput of 60.2 kbps with a delay of 102.9 ms. This implementation is expected to significantly improve project coordination efficiency within the Vocaject ecosystem.