The communication is based on TCP/IP. So any functions, that implement this protocol, will do the job. 

For older versions of Matlab, there is the tcpip object, which we used in the example frontend:

https://github.com/InstitutoDOr/FriendEN...

In newer versions, there is the tcpclient:
https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/re...

Another alternative could be the TCP/UDP/IP Toolbox available on exchange:
http://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/f... 

All these versions probably need some adaption of the original frontend code, but it should be straightforward.

Alternatively to Matlab, you can also choose a Python or Presentation frontend:
https://github.com/InstitutoDOr/FriendEN...

Best Regards

Sebastian