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This will be the interface for the sender side
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This is how it shows when a file is transferred from the sender side
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This is how it shows when a file is received from the receiver side
## Inspiration We noticed a frustrating gap in how we share large files. Traditional cloud services require uploading to a server first—which is slow and privacy-invasive—while physical drives are inconvenient. We wanted to build a "frictionless bridge." Inspired by the speed of local networks and the security of decentralized tech, we created Hixs Shares: a platform where files move directly from one browser to another, bypassing the middleman entirely. ## What it does Hixs Shares is a lightning-fast, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing platform. Users simply create a room, share a unique URL, and start transferring files of any size directly to their peers. Zero Server Storage: Files are never stored in the cloud; they exist only on the devices of the sender and receiver. Instant Privacy: Built-in end-to-end encryption ensures that only the intended recipient can access the data. Browser-Native: No apps or plugins required—just a link. ## How we built it We chose a bleeding-edge, serverless architecture to ensure maximum speed and scalability: The Signaling Brain: We utilized Cloudflare Workers to handle the initial "handshake" between peers. Running at the edge means connections are established with millisecond latency. The P2P Engine: We implemented WebRTC for the direct data transport layer, allowing browsers to talk to each other without a centralized server. Frontend: Built with React and Tailwind CSS, focusing on a clean, "dark-mode" developer aesthetic that remains intuitive for everyday users. Persistence: We used Cloudflare Durable Objects to manage real-time room states and ensure multiple peers stay synchronized during a session. ## Challenges we ran into The biggest hurdle was NAT Traversal. Firewalls often block direct P2P connections. We had to implement a robust system of STUN/TURN servers to ensure that users could connect even across complex office or university networks. Additionally, managing the Web Streams API to handle multi-gigabyte files without crashing the browser's memory was a significant technical challenge that required careful buffer management. ## Accomplishments that we're proud of Zero-Latency Connections: Successfully leveraging Cloudflare’s global network to make "room creation" feel instantaneous. High-Speed Transfers: Achieving transfer speeds that are limited only by the users' actual internet bandwidth, not a server's throttle. Privacy by Design: Building a system where even we, the developers, cannot see what is being shared. ## What we learned Building Hixs Shares taught us the intricacies of low-level networking and real-time synchronization. We gained deep expertise in the WebRTC protocol, the power of Edge Computing, and how to build "stateless" applications that feel stateful to the user. We also learned the importance of UX in technical tools—making complex P2P tech feel as simple as a copy-paste link. ## What's next for Hixs Shares We’re just getting started. Our roadmap includes: Multi-Peer Swarming: Allowing a receiver to download chunks of a file from multiple senders simultaneously (similar to BitTorrent). Mobile Optimization: Fine-tuning the performance for mobile browsers and adding "Share to Hixs" OS integrations. Encrypted Chat: Adding a temporary, secure chat layer within the rooms for quick coordination.
Built With
- cryptoapi
- css
- html
- ipfs
- javascript
- streansapi
- stun
- webrtc