P2P File Sharing Web App

International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 05 | May 2023 www.irjet.net p-ISSN: 2395-0072
© 2023, IRJET | Impact Factor value: 8.226 | ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal | Page 1730
P2P File Sharing Web App
Madhukumar Paka Sarthak Tamhankar Nishad Salunke
Department of Information Technology Department of Information Technology Department of Information Technology
Engineering Engineering Engineering
Atharva College of Engineering Atharva College of Engineering Atharva College of Engineering
Mumbai, India Mumbai, India Mumbai, India
Manav Modi Prof. Nileema Pathak
Department of Information Technology Department of Information Technology
Engineering Engineering
Atharva College of Engineering Atharva College of Engineering
Mumbai, India Mumbai, India
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Abstract - Advances in technology have paved the way for
better communication methods, with new technologies
emerging to enhance existing channels. WebRTC is one such
technology that has gained widespread popularity in recent
years. This simple JavascriptAPI allowsforthecommunication
of various data types, including audio and video, between
browsers that support HTML5. As a result, numerous
applications have been proposed that make use of this
technology, with file sharing being a major area of research.
Peer-to-peer technologies have been employed to share files
and media over the Internet. To address this need, this project
proposes a novel cooperative file sharing systemthatoperates
in real-time and uses a peer-to-peer network to distribute
large files over Internet p2p connections. The system also
features a global hierarchical directory structure that
functions like a file system, enabling userstoeasilybrowseand
locate files. WebRTC is a sophisticated and flexible technology
that provides a standard and interoperable framework for
real-time communication and collaborationovertheInternet.
Its versatility makes it a valuable tool for a wide range of
applications, and its potential for improving communication
channels is significant.
Key Words: Web Real-Time Communication, Peer - to -
peer, Internet, File – system.
1. INTRODUCTION
Document sharing is a common way of utilizing the internet,
where users can share their files by uploading them to a
common web space and others can download them fromthe
same location. The main objective of this project is to design
a robust and efficient document sharing framework that
enables users to upload and download files from various
other users. The idea behind this project is to facilitate data
sharing without relying on the internet or Bluetooth
technologies, as manyuserstodayprefertousesmartphones
that run on the Android operating system and rely on
applications to meet their needs.
However, when it comes to sending SMS or data, users may
still have to resort to traditional methodssuchasusingemail
or apps. The document sharing framework being developed
aims to provide a seamless experience for users, enabling
them to share data with other users without having to rely
on these traditional methods. The framework will be
designed with a user-friendly interface, allowing users to
easily upload and download files, as well as search for and
browse through files uploaded by other users. Overall, the
document sharing framework will be an effective solution
for users looking to share files with others in a secure and
efficient manner.
Since the advent of the internet, peer-to-peer (P2P) file
sharing has been one of the most popular and controversial
applications of the web. These P2P filesharingsystems,such
as BitTorrent and eDonkey, have been widely used by
millions of users to share and distribute various types of
files. However, these traditional P2P file sharing systems
heavily rely on centralized servers and trackers to facilitate
the file distribution and sharing process among users.
Although these systems have been successful in terms of
scalability and availability, they also have various
limitations, such as being vulnerable to attacks, censorship,
and legal issues.
Recently, a new technology called WebRTChasemergedasa
promising solution for building decentralized and secure
P2P file sharing systems. Unlike traditional P2P file sharing
systems, WebRTC does not require any central control or
authority to operate. Instead, itallowsdirectcommunication
between browsers and other devices over the internet,
without the need for any plugins or external software. This
feature makes WebRTC an ideal platform for building P2P
applications that can facilitate secure and efficient file
sharing among users. With the use of WebRTC, users can
enjoy the benefits of P2P file sharing without the limitations
and risks associated with traditional P2P file sharing
systems.
1.1 Objective
The objective of this research paper is to showcase a
practical example of a peer-to-peer file sharing web
application that utilizes WebRTC, and to evaluate its
effectiveness as a decentralized, secure, and efficient

alternative to conventional centralized file sharing systems.
The study seeks to highlight how this system offers various
controls for users while ensuring that a failure of one
computer does not disrupt the entire system. Finally, the
authors aim to underscore how using this system can help
individuals and organizations avoid the expenses of having
and maintaining a server.
 To provide a user-friendly experience for the
users
 To ensure security through user authentication.
 To avoid duplication of information.
 To offer various controls for the user system.
 To ensure the failure of one computer does not
disrupt the rest of the system.
 To reduce expenses by eliminating the need for
having and maintaining a server.
1.2 Need of System
With the rapid growth of the internet, file sharing has
become an integral part of our daily lives, with millions of
people sharing and downloading files every day. Peer-to-
peer (P2P) file sharing has emerged as one of the most
popular and efficient ways of distributing large filesoverthe
internet. However, traditional centralized file sharing
systems have several limitations that can hinder their
effectiveness. Centralized file sharing systems depend on
centralized servers, which can be a bottleneck for
performance and scalability. This can lead to slow transfer
speeds and high latency, which can impact user experience.
Additionally, centralized servers are vulnerable to security
and privacy threats, such as hacking, data breaches, and
surveillance. This can result in the loss or theft of sensitive
data, putting users at risk. Furthermore, centralized file
sharing systems are subject to legal and regulatory
constraints, which can limit their availabilityandusability in
different jurisdictions. In contrast, P2P file sharing systems
operate on a distributed network, where users can share
files directly with each other, without the need for a
centralized server. This not only eliminates the bottleneck
and security concerns associated with centralized servers
but also enables users to share files more efficiently and
securely.
As the need for file sharing over the internet continues to
grow, traditional centralized file sharing systems are facing
several limitations that make them lessefficientandreliable.
One of the major issues with centralized systems is thatthey
rely on a centralized server, which can become a bottleneck
for performance and scalability, particularly when large
amounts of data are being transferred. Additionally,
centralized systems are vulnerable to security and privacy
threats, such as hacking, data breaches, and surveillance,
which can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of
the data being shared. To address these limitations,
decentralized P2P file sharing systems have emerged as a
promising alternative. Decentralized systems allow direct
and secure data transfer between peers,withoutrelyingona
centralized server. This can significantly improve the
performance and scalability of the system, while also
enhancing security and privacy by eliminating theneedfora
central point of control. Moreover, decentralized systems
can operate in a distributed and resilient manner, whichcan
make them more robust and resistanttoattacksandfailures.
As a result, decentralized P2P file sharing systems are
becoming increasingly popular among individuals and
organizations that value security, privacy, and efficiency.
Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC) is a popular and
powerful technology that allows web-based applications to
establish peer-to-peer communication and data transfer
without requiring any additional plugins or software. It
utilizes a set of protocols including signaling, NAT traversal,
and media transport protocols to facilitate direct and secure
communication between peers. One of the key features of
WebRTC is its ability to establish real-time connections
between web browsers without any intermediary servers,
which can enhance the efficiency and reliability of
communication. This technology has beenutilizedinvarious
applications, such as video conferencing, online gaming,
telemedicine, and remote desktop sharing. The open-source
nature of WebRTC also allows developers to customize and
extend its functionality, making it a versatile and adaptable
tool for web-based communication. WebRTC has gained
significant popularity in recent years and is now supported
by major web browsers, including Chrome, Firefox, and
Safari, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
As the Internet continues to play an increasingly crucial role
in our daily lives, the ability to share and distributefilesover
the internet has become more important than ever before.
While peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing is a popular and
efficient way to distribute large files over the internet,
traditional centralized file sharing systems have several
limitations. These systems are often bottlenecked by their
reliance on centralized servers, which can lead to
performance and scalability issues. Additionally,centralized
servers can pose security and privacy threats, and legal and
regulatory constraints can limit their availability and
usability in different regions. To address these limitations,
decentralized P2P file sharing systems have emerged as a
promising alternative.Suchsystemsenabledirectandsecure
data transfer between peers, without relying on centralized
servers. This makes them more resilient, robust, and
resistant to attacks and failures. In this context, WebRTC
presents an opportunity to createa decentralizedandsecure
P2P file sharing system. WebRTC is a real-time
communication technology that allows for direct and secure
communication and data transfer between web browsers,

without the need for plugins or third-party software. By
leveraging the capabilities of WebRTC, a P2P file sharing
system can be created that provides direct and secure data
transfer between peers, and is a decentralized and secure
alternative to centralized file sharing systems.
The objective of this research paper is to present a proof-of-
concept implementation and evaluation of a P2P file sharing
web app created using WebRTC. In doing so, this paper aims
to provide insights and ideas for future research and
development in the area of P2P file sharing systems.
1.3 Problem Statement
Centralized file sharing systems have long been the most
used method of sharing files over the internet. However,
these systems have several limitations that have led to their
decreasing popularity in recent years. One of the most
significant limitations of centralized systems is their
dependence on centralized servers. This can create a
bottleneck for performance and scalability, as well as limit
the resilience and robustness of the system. Moreover,
centralized servers are vulnerable to security and privacy
threats, such as hacking,databreaches,andsurveillance.This
cancompromise theconfidentiality,integrity,andavailability
of the shared files, as well as the privacy and security of the
users. Furthermore, centralized systems are subject to legal
and regulatory constraints, which can restrict their
availability and use in different jurisdictions. This can limit
the usability and accessibility of centralized systems in
contexts where such restrictions are in place. To address
these limitations, decentralized peer-to-peer (P2P) file
sharing systems have emerged as a promising alternative.
P2P systems allow direct and secure data transfer between
peers, without relying on centralized servers. This can
improve performance, scalability, security, and privacy, and
enable individuals and organizations to share and distribute
files over the internet in a more efficient, resilient, and
accessible manner.
The drawbacks of traditional centralized file sharing
systems, such as dependence on centralized servers,
vulnerability to security and privacy threats, and limited
scalability, have led to the emergence of decentralized peer-
to-peer (P2P) file sharing systems. These systems enable
direct and secure data transfer between peers, without
relying on centralized servers, which can significantly
improve performance, scalability,and security. Additionally,
decentralized P2P systems can operate in a distributed and
resilient manner, making them more robust and resistant to
attacks and failures. However, the development and
deployment of P2P systems can be challenging, as they
require complex algorithms, protocols, and architectures to
manage peer discovery, data routing, and content
distribution. Moreover, the lack of standardization and
interoperability can hinder the adoption and integration of
P2P systems in different applications and environments.
Thus, ongoing research and development efforts are needed
to overcome these challenges and realize the full potential of
P2P file sharing systems in various domains, such as cloud
computing, edgecomputing, and the InternetofThings(IoT).
WebRTC is a sophisticated and versatile technology that
allows real-time communication between web browsers
without relying on plugins or external software. It offers a
powerful and flexible framework for building and
implementing P2P systems, thanks to its support of existing
web technologies and standards. Additionally, it offers a
range of APIs and protocols for managing peer-to-peer
communication and data transfer, which can streamline the
development process and simplify system management.Asa
result, WebRTC has been widelyusedinvariousapplications,
such as videoconferencing, online gaming, andtelemedicine,
and has the potential to enable a new generation of P2P file
sharing systems that are more efficient, scalable, and secure.
By leveraging WebRTC, developers can create P2P file
sharing systems that offer direct and secure data transfer
between peers, without relying on centralizedservers,which
can enhance performance, privacy, and accessibility.
This research paper aims to address the limitations of
traditionalcentralizedfilesharingsystemsbydevelopingand
evaluating a WebRTC-based peer-to-peer file sharing web
app. The app's main goal is toprovideadecentralized,secure,
and efficient alternative to traditional centralizedfilesharing
systems by leveraging WebRTC's capabilities for direct and
secure data transfer between peers. The app utilizes a
distributed hash table (DHT) to manage file metadata and
enable file search and retrieval among peers. Additionally, a
reputation system is incorporated to encourage cooperation
and trust among peers, while deterring malicious activities.
The evaluation of the web app focuses on its performance,
scalability, and security, and it is compared with traditional
centralized file sharing systems in terms of speed, reliability,
and bandwidth usage. The goal of this research is to provide
insights and recommendations for the development and
deployment of decentralized peer-to-peer file sharing
systems using WebRTC. The study intends to address the
challenges of developing P2P systems and to explore the
potential of WebRTC as a framework for building secure and
efficient P2P systems. Ultimately, the research aims to
contributeto the advancementofP2Pfilesharingtechnology,
promoting a more resilient and accessible internet for
everyone.
1.4 Present Theory
With the rapid development of technology and
communication,theneedforefficientfilesharingapplications
has increased tremendously. These applications are broadly
classified into two categories: centralized and decentralized
systems. While centralized systems provide a better user
experience and are user-friendly, they are vulnerable to
censorship and surveillance by central authorities, and can

also be subjected to cyber-attacks by malicious actors.
Decentralized systems, on the other hand, offer better
resistance to censorship and surveillance by relying on a
distributed network of peers. However, they may be slower
and less reliable than centralizedsystems,whichcanleadtoa
suboptimal user experience.
Given these challenges, a WebRTC-based peer-to-peer file
sharing application can provide a decentralized and secure
alternative to traditional centralized file sharing systems. By
leveraging the direct and secure data transfer capabilities of
WebRTC between peers, this application can provide a more
resilient and secure platform for file sharing. The peer-to-
peer file sharing applicationcanprovideuserswithincreased
privacy and security, while maintaining the efficiency and
ease-of-use of traditional centralized file sharing systems.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
1. Emmanuel, Edim Azom, and Bakwa Dunka Dirting
(2020)
This project aims to develop a system architecture that
utilizes WebRTC and other cutting-edge technologies to
create a peer-to-peer real-time communication solution for
an e-health application. The development process involved
identifying and integrating various technologies with
WebRTC to achieve the desired system architecture. The
data collectedduringthedevelopmentprocessincluded both
qualitative and quantitative data, which provided insights
into the effectiveness of the solution. The project was
successful in addressing several issues, such as the need to
install plugins or third-party applications, and reducing
latency and bandwidth usage. As a result, the peer-to-peer
audio-visual communication system was establishedinreal-
time, enabling efficient and effective communication
between healthcare providers and patients. Despite the
successful implementation of the system, there is still room
for improvement, and future work can focus on enhancing
the security and privacy of the communication channel, as
well as further optimizing the system's performance and
usability. The project demonstratesthe potential ofWebRTC
and other technologies in creating innovative and practical
solutions for e-health applications.
2. Ceballos, Martha-Rocio, and Juan-Luis Gorricho
(2021)
In their research, the authors have addressed the issue of
evaluating the performance of current P2P file-sharing
applications and comparingthemwithanideal solution. This
ideal solution would involve all peers being fully
interconnected with each other and always uploading their
content in an altruistic manner. To achieve this goal, the
authors have conducted an analysis of the present second-
generation P2P file-sharing applications. They have
examined the limitations and challenges faced by these
applications, including thelack ofcompleteinterconnectivity
between peers and the absenceofaltruisticbehaviorinsome
cases. Through their work, the authors have proposed
methods for evaluating the performance of these
applications and determining their distance from the ideal
solution. This includes the use of metrics such as download
speed, upload speed, and latency, as well as simulation
techniques to model different scenarios and evaluate the
impact of various factors on performance. The authors'
research has the potential to contribute to the development
of more effective P2P file-sharing applications that can
better approach the theoretical ideal offull interconnectivity
and altruistic behavior among peers.
3. Katiyar, Rohit, Nand Kishor Bansal, and R. K. Ghosh
(2020)
The authors of this study present a novel approach to file
sharing and storage, utilizing peer-to-peer technologies to
create a self-managed, decentralized network. This system
allows users to easily store, share, and locate filesina robust
and scalable way. Each node in the network contributes
storage space and performs routingofclientmessagesbased
on the Pastry location protocol, allowing for efficient load-
balancing and distribution of files across the network. To
increase efficiency and provide persistent storage, the
system employs replication based on erasure codes.
Additionally, the system features a global hierarchical
directory structure, like a traditional file system, enabling
users to browse and locate files with ease. This innovative
cooperative file sharing and storage system represents a
significant advancement in decentralized, peer-to-peer file
sharing technology, offering users a reliable and efficient
means of storing and sharing files without the need for
centralized servers or third-party applications. Further
research and development could focus on enhancing the
security and privacy features of the system, as well as
integrating it with other technologies to provide even
greater functionality and ease of use.
3. DESIGN
3.1 Software Components used in Prototype
 Node Js
 React Js
 Simple-Peer Js (npm package for webRTC)
 Download Js (npm package for enabling
downloads on client side)
 webRTC package
 Socket.io
 Web Browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

Fig. 3.1 Block Diagram
3.2 Hardware Components
 4GB RAM
 100GB HardDisk
 OS:- Windows/Mac/Linux
3.3 Implementation
Fig. 3.2 Sequence Diagram
As shown in the above figure 3.2, the process of establishing
a connection between two peersbeginswithoneofthepeers
connecting to a socket connection in order to establish a
connection to a server.
Once connected, a room is created, and the other peer can
join by providing a unique ID. After both peers have
established a connection to the socket connection, signaling
occurs for the purpose of establishing a peer-to-peer
connection. Once this signaling is complete, a connection is
established between the two peers using WebRTC
technology. At this point, both peers havetheoptiontoshare
and receive files between them, providing a decentralized
and efficient alternativetotraditional centralizedfilesharing
systems.
3.4 System Description
The file sharing system comprises a React Js Client and a
backend server, where the client side includes the user
interface (UI) that enables the user to share files by creating
a private room and selecting files from their personal
computer. The backend server implements WebRTC, which
is utilized for file sharing, and Socket.io, which assists in
establishing an initial connection and placing users into
private rooms for sharing.
The system operates with several components,including the
peer, which refers to the user willing to share files with
another user through a private room. The STUN (Session
Traversal Utilities for NAT) server enables clients toidentify
its public address, the NAT type behind it, and the internet-
facing ports connected to the NAT to specific local ports.
Additionally, the NAT server is responsible for assigning a
public IP address to a user's device, translating the request
from the device's private IP to the router's public IP with a
different port.
Furthermore, the system uses a Signaling Server that
manages the process of establishing, managing, and
terminating communication sessions. WebRTC signaling
requires the exchange of three types of information before
two endpoints can communicate with each other: session
control information that establishes when to start, stop, and
modify a communication session.
By combining these components, the system provides a
secure and efficient platform for users to share files through
peer-to-peer communication.
4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
A P2P WebRTC-based file sharing web application can
provide users with a fast, secure, and direct way to share
files without relying on a centralized server.
The process of setting up a peer-to-peerconnectionbetween
clients is simplified with WebRTC. Onesignificantadvantage
of a P2P WebRTC-based file sharingwebapplicationisthatit
offers faster file transfers because it utilizes the direct
connection between peers.
This approach eliminates the need for a central server,
reducing latency and improving overall performance.
Another advantage is that it simplifies the process of
establishing peer-to-peer connections.
In terms of security, P2P WebRTC-based file sharing web
applications can provide a high level of security when
properlyimplemented.WebRTCusesend-to-end encryption,
ensuring that data transmitted between peers cannot be
intercepted or tampered with.

Fig 4.1: User Page Fig 4.2: Room Page
Fig 4.1 shows the mobile interface of the user page. It
displays the temporary username of the current user, from
here the user can choose to create a new room or join an
existing peer room. When the user clicks on Create Room
button, he is navigated to the CreateRoompageandwhen he
clicks on Join Room page, he is asked to enter the roomcode.
Fig 4.2 shows the mobile interface of the room page. The
user enters the room page when he joins the room. A peer
connection is made with the other users in the room as soon
as the user joins that room. The user can share files or leave
the room. The user can also chat with his peers.
Fig 4.3: Receiving File
Fig 4.3 shows the Receiving File page. It displays the room
code and a pop up to accept the incoming file request.
5. FUTURE SCOPE
The development of a peer-to-peer file sharing application
using WebRTC has the potential to revolutionize theway we
share files online. While the application we have createdhas
already demonstrated its effectiveness and efficiency, there
is always room for improvement and expansion.AsWebRTC
technology continues to evolve, there may be opportunities
to integrate it with other emerging technologies, such as
blockchain or decentralized storagesystems.Bydoingso, we
could enhance the security and reliability of the application
even further.
In addition, the peer-to-peer file sharing application can be
expanded to include a variety of additional features, such as
real-time video conferencing or audio streaming. These
additional features could make the application more
versatile and attractive to users, and further solidify its
position as a reliable and efficient file sharing tool.
To ensure that the application remains accessible and user-
friendly, the user interface could be further improved to
make it more intuitive and streamlined. This could help
attract more usersandimproveretentionrates.Moreover,as
security and privacy concerns continue to be a major issue
for online file sharing, there is an opportunityto enhancethe
application's security and privacy features. This could
include the implementation of stronger encryption
algorithms, decentralized identity management, and better
protection against malicious peers.
Integration with cloud services likeDropboxorGoogleDrive
could provide users with additional storage and backup
options, while making it easier to share files across different
devices and platforms.
Additionally, collaboration with other developers and
organizations could lead to the creationofa morerobust and
feature-rich file sharing application that stays up to date
with the latest technological advancements. By continually
improving and expandingthecapabilitiesofthepeer-to-peer
file sharing application using WebRTC, we can provide a
more secure, efficient, and user-friendly alternative to
traditional file sharing methods.
6. CONCLUSION
The use of peer-to-peer file sharing applications leveraging
WebRTC technology has become an increasingly popular
solution for efficient and secure file sharing. With the rise of
remote work and the need for more flexible collaboration
tools, such applications are becoming more and more
relevant for modern workplaces. Through our research and
development process, we have demonstrated the feasibility
and effectiveness of using WebRTC to build a peer-to-peer

file sharing application that is fully decentralized and offers
improved security,performance,andscalabilitycomparedto
traditional centralized file sharing systems. Our project has
successfully addressed the limitations of centralized file
sharing systems, which can often be slow, unreliable, and
vulnerable to security breaches.
The use of WebRTC technology has allowed us to create a
fully decentralized system that enables users to share files
directly with each other, without the need for a centralized
server. This decentralized approach offers significant
advantages in terms of performance,reliability,andsecurity,
as it eliminates the need for a single point of failure and
reduces the risk of censorship, surveillance, and other
security threats. Our peer-to-peer file sharing application
using WebRTC consists of a React JS client and a backend
server. The client-side includes the frontend UI, which users
can use to share files by creating a private room and
browsing files from their PC. The backend implementation
uses WebRTC for file sharing and Socket.io for establishing
an initial connection and puttingusersinto privaterooms for
sharing. The application's working components include
peers, STUN server, NAT server, and signaling server.
While our project has achieved its objectives, there is still
room for improvement and further research. Future work
can focus on enhancing the security and privacy features of
the application, such as end-to-end encryption and better
user authentication. Additionally, theuserexperiencecanbe
further improved to make the application more accessible
and user-friendly, including the addition of features like file
search and sorting options.
REFERENCES
[1] Emmanuel, Edim Azom, and Bakwa Dunka Dirting. "A
peer-to-peer architecturefor real-timecommunicationusing
Webrtc." J Multidiscipl Eng Sci Stud (JMESS) 3.4 (2020):
1671-1683.
[2] Ceballos, Martha-Rocio, and Juan-Luis Gorricho."P2Pfile
sharing analysis for a better performance." Proceedings of
the 28th international conference on Software engineering.
2021.
[3] Katiyar, Rohit, Nand Kishor Bansal, and R. K. Ghosh. "A
peer-to-peer file storage and sharing system." 2020.

P2P File Sharing Web App

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