Documentation

About

Chaitanya AirDrop is a peer-to-peer file transfer web application that works like Apple's AirDrop. It allows you to transfer files directly between devices on the same network without uploading them to any intermediate server.

How It Works

  1. Open the App: Both devices must open this website. While being on the same WiFi can result in faster transfers, it is not required.
  2. Connect:
    • Option A (Nearby): Your device will automatically scan for others on the same network. Click "Connect" next to a device name.
    • Option B (Code): One device clicks "Create Room" to get a code. The other enters that code to join.
  3. Transfer: Once connected, simply drag & drop files or click to select them. The files fly directly to the other device!

Features

🔒 Private & Secure

Files travel directly between devices via WebRTC. We never see your files.

🚀 Fast P2P

Uses your local network speed (often 10-50 MB/s). No internet bandwidth used for transfer.

📱 Cross-Platform

Works on any device with a modern browser: iPhone, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux.

Architecture

┌─────────────┐         ┌─────────────┐
│  Device A   │         │  Device B   │
│  (Browser)  │         │  (Browser)  │
└─────┬───────┘         └───────┬─────┘
      │                         │
      │  1. Create/Join Room    │
      │         (Socket.IO)     │
      ▼                         ▼
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│           Signal Server             │
│  (Only exchanges connection info)   │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
      │                         │
      │  2. WebRTC Signaling    │
      │                         │
      ▼                         ▼
┌─────────────┐  3. Direct P2P  ┌─────────────┐
│  Device A   │◄───────────────►│  Device B   │
│  (Browser)  │   File Transfer │  (Browser)  │
└─────────────┘    (WebRTC)     └─────────────┘

Troubleshooting

  • Can't see nearby devices? If you're on the same WiFi, ensure your network doesn't block device-to-device communication. If you're on different networks, this feature won't work; use a Room Code instead.
  • Transfer stuck? Refresh both pages and try reconnecting.
  • Large files? Keep the browser tab active (don't switch apps on mobile) during transfer to prevent the OS from pausing it.