PeerChat – Secure P2P Chat & Video Calling

Overview

PeerChat is a real-time peer-to-peer (P2P) communication platform that enables users to chat, make video calls, share files, and even screen-share without relying on centralized servers. Built using WebRTC and PeerJS, PeerChat ensures fast, direct, and end-to-end encrypted communication between users.

Unlike traditional messaging apps that route data through third-party servers, PeerChat allows direct connections, enhancing speed, security, and privacy. Users can create or join rooms dynamically, ensuring private and secure conversations.

Key Features

🔹 1. Secure Peer-to-Peer Messaging

·         Users can send and receive encrypted messages using AES encryption, ensuring privacy.

·         The encryption key is dynamically generated based on the room ID.

🔹 2. Video Calling with WebRTC

·         Users can initiate high-quality, low-latency video calls with their peers.

·         Calls are established directly between users, bypassing servers for better performance.

🔹 3. Screen Sharing

·         PeerChat allows users to share their screens during a video call.

·         Useful for remote collaboration, presentations, and tech support.

·         Automatically detects when screen sharing ends and resets the UI accordingly.

🔹 4. File Sharing

·         Users can send and receive files (images, documents, etc.) through the chat interface.

·         Received images are displayed directly in chat, while other files can be downloaded.

🔹 5. Room-Based System

·         Users can join existing rooms via a unique room ID or create new rooms dynamically.

·         The room ID is generated automatically if not provided in the URL.

·         This enables private and temporary chat sessions without requiring user accounts.

🔹 6. Automatic UI Adjustments for Mobile & Desktop

·         Screen sharing is disabled on mobile for a better user experience.

·         Font sizes and UI elements adjust dynamically based on device type.

Technology Stack

🛠 Frontend:

·         HTML, CSS, JavaScript – Core structure and styling.

·         PeerJS – Simplifies peer-to-peer WebRTC connections.

·         CryptoJS (AES Encryption) – Secures messages with encryption.

🔌 Backend & Networking:

·         PeerJS Server – Used to facilitate initial peer discovery (not required for data transmission).

·         WebRTC STUN/TURN Servers – Helps establish P2P connections when users are behind NAT/firewalls.

How It Works

1️⃣ User opens PeerChat – The system generates a unique room ID.
2️⃣ Another user joins the room – A direct peer-to-peer connection is established.
3️⃣ Real-time chat & video calls – Messages, files, and media are exchanged directly.
4️⃣ End-to-end encryption ensures data remains private and secure.
5️⃣ Users can disconnect anytime, and all session data is lost once they leave.

Use Cases

🔹 Private & Secure Messaging – Avoid centralized servers like WhatsApp or Discord.

🔹 Remote Collaboration – Teams can share screens and chat instantly.

🔹 Online Study Sessions – Students can chat and share notes in real time.

🔹 Customer Support – Businesses can assist clients via direct video calls.

Why PeerChat?

🔹 No servers required → Faster, more private communication.
🔹 No login needed → Just join a room and start chatting.
🔹 Secure encryption → Keeps conversations private.
🔹 Open-source & customizable → Modify and extend based on your needs.