title: TCP/IP socket communication in HTML5
body: <p>I'd like to know if my idea is even possible, but based on everything I've searched for so far, it seems like it's not possible.  I would love to hear what the experts think.</p>
  
  <p>Goal:  Interface with laboratory equipment via TCP/IP sockets using HTML/Javascript.</p>
  
  <p>One problem is that I have no control to program the server.  Therefore, I can't use HTML5 websockets.  The vendor has not implemented websockets.  The equipment server waits for a socket connection, and then communicates via API.  </p>
  
  <p>Because HTML5 and Javascript are relatively OS-independent and are 'built' for user display, I'd like to create a browser-based program.  I've found related questions and answers on SO, but they are older now, so I'm wondering what is the current technology.</p>
  
  <p>Thanks in advance, and please let me know if you have any questions.</p>