C# P2P chat application design

Question

I want to create a simple chat application that doesn't use an explicit server. The main requirement is that the user can simultaneously chat with many friends (just like on Skype etc.). I do not mean a conference chat here, just multiple separate chat-windows.

Currently, I want only a LAN messaging application but I'd appreciate, if the design was easy to extend to Internet connections.

I wonder what design is appropriate for such an application.

• What do you think about a solution, where each user app has a TcpListener (the implicit server) and multiple TcpClient objects - one for each friend he/she is talking to.
• What about authenticating the remote users? Should the chatting app generate a certificate (X509 or sth) or just assume that the users in a LAN are to be trusted :)

Kindest regards,

Answer 1

You should see start with

how do i make my own P2P software?

WCF / WPF Chat Application

P2P Communication - Proxy Listeners and Proxy Clients

Hope this proves good starting point

Happy coding

Answer 2

HttpListener + WebClient(or HttpWebRequest) can provide you more tools for authentication/security. Basic Authentication, Ntlm, Integrated Windows Authentication, https etc. and they are more firewall friendly.