Alternative approaches to "push" notifications without SignalR

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ICSM Computer · Answer

Here are alternative approaches to "push" notifications without SignalR:
1. Long Polling / AJAX Polling (Simplest)
The client periodically polls the server (e.g., every 10–30 seconds) asking, 
"Any new updates?"If yes, the server returns data (e.g., "Article Approved", "Blog Deleted").
Pros:
Very easy to implementWorks on all browsers
Cons:
Not real-timeWastes resources if nothing new most of the time
Use if:
You want simplicity and semi-live updates (e.g., every 30s)
2. Web Push Notifications
This is the browser-based push notification system via the 
Push API + Service Workers.You need:
HTTPSService Worker registered in the browserUser permission to receive notificationsBackend to send a push payload (often using VAPID keys)
Pros:
Works even when the user is not on your site (if the browser is open)Modern and reliable (used by Gmail, Facebook, etc.)
Cons:
Only supported in modern browsersRequires client-side setup with service workersASP.NET 4.7 needs a custom library to send Web Push (e.g., using WebPush.Net)
Use if:
You want true push notifications like mobile apps
3. Mobile Push Notifications (FCM, APNs)
If you're building a mobile or hybrid app, you can use:
Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) – for Android/webApple Push Notification Service (APNs) – for iOS
You can send push messages from your ASP.NET 4.7 backend using HTTP API calls to FCM/APNs.
Use if:
Your users are on mobile or you have a mobile app
4. Email Notifications
Simple but asynchronous.
User gets an email for events like article approval, blog deletion, etc.
5. In-App Notification System (Database-Based)
This is not real push, but works well with polling:
Store notifications in a DB (Notifications table).Use AJAX polling to fetch unread notifications.Show them in a dropdown or toast.
You can even combine this with SignalR/Web Push later if needed.
Which Should You Use?
Goal
Best Option
Live in-page updates
SignalR (best), else polling
Push to desktop browser
Web Push API (with service worker)
Push to mobile
Firebase / APNs
Simpler fallback
AJAX polling + DB notifications
Asynchronous update
Email/SMS/etc.
Summary:
Yes, in ASP.NET Framework 4.7, you can notify users without SignalR using:
AJAX pollingWeb Push APIMobile push APIs (FCM/APNs)Emails or SMSDatabase-driven in-app alerts

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Alternative approaches to "push" notifications without SignalR

ICSM Computer

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1 Answers

Here are alternative approaches to "push" notifications without SignalR:

1. Long Polling / AJAX Polling (Simplest)

2. Web Push Notifications

3. Mobile Push Notifications (FCM, APNs)

4. Email Notifications

5. In-App Notification System (Database-Based)

Which Should You Use?

Summary:

Liked By

Goal	Best Option
Live in-page updates	SignalR (best), else polling
Push to desktop browser	Web Push API (with service worker)
Push to mobile	Firebase / APNs
Simpler fallback	AJAX polling + DB notifications
Asynchronous update	Email/SMS/etc.