Simple WebRTC Video Chat with Node.js Signaling Server

This project demonstrates a basic peer-to-peer video chat application using WebRTC. It utilizes a Node.js server as a signaling server to facilitate the initial connection and exchange of SDP offers/answers and ICE candidates between peers.

Overview

WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) allows browsers to communicate directly with each other, enabling real-time communication features like video chat and screen sharing without the need for a central server to relay media streams. However, a signaling server is required to orchestrate the initial connection. This project provides that server.

The application consists of two parts:

1. Client-Side (Frontend): Two React applications (host and peer) handle user interface and WebRTC functionality.
2. Server-Side (Backend): A Node.js server using Express.js and Socket.IO handles the signaling process, allowing peers to exchange information needed to establish a connection.

Functionality

• Room Creation: A unique room ID is used to connect two users.
• Peer Connection: The frontend applications initiate a peer-to-peer connection using WebRTC's APIs.
• Signaling: The signaling server relays SDP offers/answers and ICE candidates between the peers, enabling them to establish a connection.
• Media Streaming: Once connected, the peers exchange video and audio streams.
• Error Handling: Basic error handling is included for common WebRTC issues.

Technology Stack

• Frontend: React, Next.js (for routing)
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js, Socket.IO
• WebRTC: The core technology for peer-to-peer communication.

Getting Started

Prerequisites:

• Node.js and npm installed.

Steps:

1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/ChandanKhamitkar/Green-link.git
2. Install dependencies:

   cd backend  // Navigate to the server directory
   npm install
   cd ../frontend // Navigate to the client directory
   npm install

3. Start the server: Navigate to the backend directory and run: npm run dev
4. Start the frontend application: Navigate to the frontend directory and run: npm run dev.
5. Open two browser windows: Access the "host" and "peer" pages by adjusting the /sender/<roomid> and /receiver/<roomid> URLs (replace <roomid> with a common ID for both).