PeerLink - P2P File Sharing & Video Calls

The hosted url is PeerLink

PeerLink is a modern web application that enables secure peer-to-peer file sharing and video calls using WebRTC technology. Built with Next.js and Firebase, it offers a seamless experience for real-time communication and file transfer without server intermediaries.

🚀 Features

• P2P File Sharing

  • Direct peer-to-peer file transfer
  • Stream-based transfer for large files
  • Progress tracking for uploads/downloads
  • No file size limits
  • Efficient memory usage with chunks

• Video Calls

  • HD video and audio calls
  • Screen sharing capability
  • Camera/microphone controls
  • Fullscreen mode
  • Real-time chat during calls

• Real-time Chat

  • Draggable chat window
  • Instant messaging
  • Timestamp display
  • Message history

🔧 Technical Architecture

WebRTC Implementation

The application uses WebRTC for peer-to-peer connections:

• Establishes data channels for file transfer and chat
• Uses STUN servers for NAT traversal
• Handles ICE candidates for connection establishment
• Manages media streams for video/audio

File Transfer Mechanism

• Uses streamsaver for efficient file handling
• Implements chunk-based streaming (216KB chunks)
• Handles backpressure for large files
• Progress tracking for both sender and receiver

Firebase Integration

Firebase Firestore is used for:

• Signaling server for WebRTC
• Storing and exchanging ICE candidates
• Managing call metadata
• Temporary storage of connection information

📁 Project Structure

app/
├── components/
│   ├── LandingPage/    # Landing page components
│   ├── SharePage/      # File sharing components
│   └── Navbar.tsx      # Navigation component
├── video/              # Video call implementation
├── share/              # File sharing implementation
├── groupchat/          # Group chat feature
└── firebase.ts         # Firebase configuration

🛣️ Routes

• / - Landing page
• /share - File sharing interface
• /video - Video call interface
• /groupchat - Group chat interface (in development)

💡 How It Works

File Sharing

1. Sender creates a WebRTC offer
2. Connection established via Firebase signaling
3. File is read as a stream
4. Data is chunked and sent through WebRTC data channel
5. Receiver saves chunks using streamsaver
6. Progress is tracked in real-time

Video Calls

1. Local media stream is acquired
2. WebRTC peer connection is established
3. Video/audio tracks are exchanged
4. Additional data channel for chat is created
5. Real-time communication begins

🔒 Security

• End-to-end encryption via WebRTC
• Direct P2P connections
• No server storage of files
• Secure signaling through Firebase

🚀 Getting Started

1. Clone the repository
2. Install dependencies:

npm install

3. Set up Firebase:

   • Create a Firebase project
   • Add your Firebase config to firebase.ts

4. Run the development server:

npm run dev

💻 Technical Requirements

• Modern web browser with WebRTC support
• Node.js 16+
• Firebase account

📝 Notes

• The application uses stream-based file transfer instead of loading entire files into memory, making it suitable for transferring large files
• Firebase is used only for signaling; all data transfers are peer-to-peer
• The project uses Next.js 15.3.1 with the new app router