WebSocket Endpoints for X Layer: A Comprehensive Guide

X Layer provides robust WebSocket (WSS) support for Ethereum-compatible methods and ZKEVM RPC methods, enabling real-time, bidirectional communication between clients and servers. This guide explores the technical specifications, endpoints, and subscription methods available on both Mainnet and Testnet.

Understanding WebSockets in X Layer

WebSockets revolutionize communication by maintaining a persistent TCP connection, allowing for low-latency, real-time data exchange. Unlike HTTP’s request-response model, WebSockets facilitate ongoing two-way interactions—ideal for decentralized applications (DApps) requiring instant updates.

Key Benefits:

• Real-time event tracking: Subscribe to blockchain events like new blocks or logs without polling.
• Reduced latency: Eliminates repeated connection overhead.
• Scalability: Efficiently handles high-frequency data streams.

X Layer WebSocket Endpoints

Mainnet (Chain ID: 0xC4 or 196)

👉 Connect to Mainnet WebSocket

• Endpoints:

  • wss://xlayerws.okx.com
  • wss://ws.xlayer.tech

Testnet (Chain ID: 0xC3 or 195)

👉 Explore Testnet WebSocket

• Endpoints:

  • wss://xlayertestws.okx.com
  • wss://testws.xlayer.tech

WebSocket Subscription Methods

eth_subscribe

Create subscriptions for specific Ethereum events:

1. newHeads

   • Tracks new block headers, including chain reorganizations.

   • Example:

     {"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"eth_subscribe","params":["newHeads"]}

2. logs

   • Filters logs by address/topics. Reorganizations trigger re-emissions with a removed flag.

   • Example:

     {"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":2,"method":"eth_subscribe","params":["logs",{"address":"0x00...","topics":["0x00..."]}]}

3. Unsupported Events

   • newPendingTransactions: Not available on X Layer.

Returns: A unique subscription ID.

eth_unsubscribe

Cancel active subscriptions:

• Parameter: subscription ID (from eth_subscribe).
• Returns: true if successful.

• Example:

  {"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":3,"method":"eth_unsubscribe","params":["0xabcd1234"]}

Supported RPC Methods

X Layer’s WebSocket interface supports:

• Ethereum-compatible RPCs (e.g., eth_blockNumber).
• ZKEVM-specific methods (detailed in the RPC documentation).

Prerequisite: Install a WebSocket client like ws.

FAQ

1. How do WebSockets improve DApp performance?

WebSockets eliminate polling, reducing latency and server load by pushing updates instantly.

2. Can I use HTTP and WebSocket endpoints interchangeably?

No. WebSockets are for real-time subscriptions; HTTP is for one-off requests.

3. What happens during a chain reorganization?

Subscriptions to newHeads or logs will re-emit data for the new chain branch, marked appropriately.

4. Are there rate limits for WebSocket connections?

Check X Layer’s documentation for current rate-limiting policies.

5. How do I handle connection drops?

Implement reconnection logic and session resumption where supported.

6. Is SSL/TLS encryption used for WSS?

Yes, all endpoints use wss:// for secure communication.

Conclusion

👉 Start integrating X Layer WebSockets today for seamless, real-time blockchain interactions. Whether building DeFi platforms or monitoring tools, leveraging WebSocket endpoints ensures efficiency and scalability. For advanced use cases, explore the full RPC method list.