- Multicast based messaging
- No central server required
- Simple graphical user interface using Java Swing
- User list with status indication
- User nickname validation
- Automatic removal of inactive users after a specified time
JChat-MultiCast is designed with a decentralized architecture, which eliminates the need for a central server to manage users and conversations. Each client acts as a node on the network, managing its own connections and transmitting messages to other clients via multicast technology. This architecture is a unique and interesting solution that offers a more efficient and reliable way to chat on a network.
- Improved fault tolerance: Because there is no central server, the system is less vulnerable to failures or attacks on a single point of failure.
- Reduced latency: Messages are transmitted directly between clients via multicast technology, resulting in faster communication.
- Greater scalability: Because each client manages its own connections, the system can scale more easily without requiring additional resources on a central server.
- Lower costs: Since there is no need for a dedicated server to manage the network, the costs associated with maintenance and hardware are significantly reduced.
- Easy to use: JChat has an intuitive user interface that makes it easy for users to start chatting right away.
- Potential for network congestion: Since each client is transmitting messages to all other clients via multicast technology, there is the potential for network congestion, especially in larger chat rooms.
- Security concerns: Decentralized networks can be more difficult to secure and may be vulnerable to attacks or breaches of privacy.
- Dependency on client nodes: Since the system relies on each client to manage its own connections, the reliability of the network depends on the stability of each client node.
- Java
- AWT & Swing
- Multicasting
- Download the JChat-Multicast project from GitHub
- Open the project in an IDE or compile using the command line
- Run the example main function to start the application
- Enter a unique nickname in the login screen and click the "Join" button
- Start chatting with other users!
JChat-Multicast uses the multicast protocol to send messages between users. When a user sends a message, it is broadcast to all users in the multicast group. Each user receives the message and displays it in their chat window.
New users can join the chat by sending a "LOGIN_REQUEST" message to the multicast group. Other users in the group will respond with an "LOGIN_SUCCESS" message if the user can join, or a "NICKNAME_TAKEN" or "MAX_USERS_REACHED" message if the user cannot join.
When a user leaves the chat, they send a "LOGOUT" message to the multicast group. Other users will receive the message and remove the user from their user list.
