NetCommHub - Group-Based Communication System

A robust networked distributed system for group-based client-server communication with a graphical user interface.

📚 Overview

NetCommHub is a distributed communication platform that enables real-time messaging between multiple clients through a central server. It implements a coordinator-based architecture where one client serves as the group coordinator with elevated privileges for managing communication and member information.

The system handles dynamic membership, with clients able to join and leave at any time, and ensures fault tolerance through automatic coordinator reassignment. NetCommHub provides both broadcast messaging to all members and private direct messaging between specific clients through an intuitive tabbed interface.

🚀 Features

• Dynamic Group Management: Members can join and leave groups at any time
• Coordinator Election: Automatic selection of a coordinator when members join or leave
• Member Discovery: Members can request and view details about other participants
• Fault Tolerance: System continues functioning when members leave or disconnect
• Real-time Messaging: Direct messaging and broadcast capabilities
• Intuitive UI: Tab-based graphical interface with notifications for new messages

📋 Requirements

• Java 17 or higher
• Network connection between server and clients

🛠️ Installation

1. Clone the repository or download the source code
2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd NetCommHub-App

3. Compile the project (or use the provided batch files):

   javac -d out src/main/java/com/netcommhub/Main.java src/main/java/com/netcommhub/client/*.java src/main/java/com/netcommhub/client/ui/*.java src/main/java/com/netcommhub/client/handlers/*.java src/main/java/com/netcommhub/server/*.java src/main/java/com/netcommhub/common/message/*.java src/main/java/com/netcommhub/common/util/*.java

💻 Usage

Using the Batch Files (Windows)

1. Start the server:

   run-server.bat
   

2. In a separate command prompt, start one or more clients:

   run-client.bat
   

Manual Execution

Starting the Server

java -cp out com.netcommhub.Main server

The server will start on port 59001 (default).

Starting a Client

java -cp out com.netcommhub.Main client

Using the Application

1. When starting a client, you'll be prompted to:

   • Enter the server's IP address (e.g., 127.0.0.1 for localhost)
   • Enter the server's port (59001)
   • Choose a screen name (alphabetic characters only)

2. The first client to connect becomes the coordinator and can see all member details

3. Communication Features:

   • Broadcast: Send messages to all connected clients using the "Broadcast" tab
   • Direct Messaging: Select a recipient from the "Recipient" menu or click on an existing tab
   • Member Details: Click the "Detail Request" button to view information about connected members

🏗️ Architecture

NetCommHub implements a client-server architecture with:

• Central server for message routing and coordination
• First-connected client acts as coordinator with special privileges
• Automatic coordinator reassignment if the current coordinator disconnects
• Tab-based UI for managing multiple conversations

🧪 Testing

The project includes JUnit tests for various components. Run the test suite with:

java -cp out:lib/junit-4.13.2.jar:lib/hamcrest-core-1.3.jar org.junit.runner.JUnitCore com.netcommhub.AllTests

📝 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

See the CONTRIBUTING.md file for detailed guidelines on how to contribute.

📬 Contact

This project was developed as a team by:

• Nir Peretz
• Stefano Veglia
• Francesco Murgioni

Project Link: https://github.com/PeretzNiro/NetCommHub