P2P File Transfer

A robust peer-to-peer (P2P) file transfer system implemented in Go. This system enables efficient file sharing and chunk-based data transfer between peers, utilizing a central server for peer discovery and file metadata management.

Demo Video

p2p-working.mp4

Architectural Diagram

Features

• Peer Discovery: Utilizes a central server for dynamic peer discovery and registration.
• Chunk-Based File Transfer: Files are divided into chunks for efficient transfer and storage.
• Concurrent Transfers: Supports concurrent chunk downloads to optimize transfer speed.
• File Integrity Verification: Ensures file integrity through hash verification.
• Error Handling: Robust error handling and logging for reliable operation.
• Configurable Transport: Supports TCP transport for peer communication.

Installation

1. Ensure you have Go 1.16+ installed on your system.

2. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/p2p-file-transfer.git
   cd p2p-file-transfer

3. Build the project:

   go build -o p2p-transfer

Usage

Starting the Central Server

The central server manages peer registration and file metadata. Start it with:

./p2p-transfer central-server --addr <address:port>

Starting a Peer Server

A peer server handles file requests and transfers. Start it with:

./p2p-transfer peer-server --central-server-addr <central-server-address:port> --addr <peer-address:port>

Registering a File

To make a file available for sharing:

./p2p-transfer register-file --path <file-path> --peer-addr <peer-address:port>

Requesting a File

To download a file from the network:

./p2p-transfer request-file --file-id <file-id> --peer-addr <peer-address:port>

Command-Line Interface (CLI)

The application uses a CLI for system interaction. Available commands:

• central-server: Launches the central server.
• peer-server: Starts a peer server.
• register-file: Registers a file with the network.
• request-file: Initiates a file download from the network.

Each command has its own set of flags and options for configuration.

Examples

Starting the central server:

./p2p-transfer central-server --addr 127.0.0.1:8000

Starting a peer server:

./p2p-transfer peer-server --central-server-addr 127.0.0.1:8000 --addr 127.0.0.1:8001

Registering a file:

./p2p-transfer register-file --path /path/to/file.txt --peer-addr 127.0.0.1:8001

Requesting a file:

./p2p-transfer request-file --file-id <file-id> --peer-addr 127.0.0.1:8001

Project Structure

• pkg/: Core package for message types and peer management.
• peer/: Peer server logic and file handling functions.
• centralserver/: Central server logic for peer registration and metadata management.
• cmd/: CLI commands for system interaction.

TODOs and Future Improvements

1. Enhanced CLI:

   • Implement interactive mode for easier system navigation.
   • Add command autocompletion for improved user experience.
   • Incorporate progress bars for file transfers.

2. Improved Fault Tolerance:

   • Implement automatic peer reconnection on network failures.
   • Add data redundancy to mitigate peer unavailability.
   • Develop a mechanism for resuming interrupted downloads.

3. Security Enhancements:

   • Implement end-to-end encryption for file transfers.
   • Add user authentication and authorization.

4. Performance Optimizations:

   • Implement adaptive chunk sizing based on network conditions.
   • Optimize peer selection algorithm for faster downloads.

5. Extended Functionality:

   • Add support for directory transfers.
   • Implement a web interface for easier file management.
   • Develop mobile applications for on-the-go file sharing.

6. Testing and Documentation:

   • Increase unit test coverage.
   • Create comprehensive API documentation.
   • Develop integration and stress tests.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch: git checkout -b feature-branch-name.
3. Make your changes and commit them: git commit -m 'Add some feature'.
4. Push to the branch: git push origin feature-branch-name.
5. Submit a pull request.