OfflineOrbit 📡

OfflineOrbit is a robust, LAN-only communication platform designed to work entirely without an internet connection. It enables secure text messaging, audio/video calling, and file sharing within a local network (e.g., College Campus, Office, or Home Wi-Fi).

🚀 Features

• Zero Internet Dependency: Runs 100% on localhost or LAN IP.
• Real-time Chat: Instant messaging via Socket.IO.
• Audio & Video Calls: P2P communication using WebRTC.
• File Sharing: Upload profile pictures and files locally (stored on server disk).
• Offline Avatars: Auto-generated initials for user avatars (no external CDN).
• Admin Portal: specialized dashboard to manage users and toggle system availability (Kill Switch).
• User Presence: Real-time Online/Offline status indicators.

🛠️ Tech Stack

• Frontend: React (Vite), TailwindCSS, Lucide Icons.
• Backend: Node.js, Express.js.
• Database: MongoDB (Local Instance).
• Real-time: Socket.IO.
• Media: Simple-Peer (WebRTC), Multer (Local File Uploads).

📋 Prerequisites

Before running the project, ensure you have the following installed locally:

1. Node.js (v18+ recommended)
2. MongoDB Community Server (Must be running locally on port 27017)
   • Download MongoDB

⚙️ Installation & Setup

1. Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/sumithkumar123/Offline-Orbit.git
cd Offline-Orbit

2. Backend Setup

cd server
npm install

Configuration (.env): Create a .env file in the server folder with the following details:

PORT=5000
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017/offline_orbit
JWT_SECRET=your_super_secret_key_here

(Note: ensure MONGODB_URI points to 127.0.0.1, not localhost if node versions vary).

3. Frontend Setup

cd ../client
npm install

Configuration (.env): Create a .env file in the client folder:

VITE_API_URL=http://localhost:5000

(Replace localhost with your machine's LAN IP address if testing from other devices on the network, e.g., http://192.168.1.5:5000)

🏃‍♂️ Running the App

You need to run both the server and client concurrently.

1. Start the Server:

# In terminal 1 (server directory)
npm run dev

Checking database connection... Connected to mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017/offline_orbit

2. Start the Client:

# In terminal 2 (client directory)
npm run dev

App running at http://localhost:5173

📱 Using on LAN (Mobile/Other Laptops)

To access the app from a phone or another computer on the same Wi-Fi:

1. Find your PC's IP address (ipconfig on Windows or ifconfig on Mac/Linux).
2. Update client/.env VITE_API_URL to http://YOUR_PC_IP:5000.
3. Access the frontend via http://YOUR_PC_IP:5173.
4. Note: Audio/Video permissions might require HTTPS or specific browser flags on mobile.

🔒 Offline Capability Notes

• Database: Uses local MongoDB, so data stays on your machine.
• Images: Profile pictures are uploaded to server/public/uploads and served statically.
• Icons: Using lucide-react (bundled JS), no external font CDNs.
• Avatars: Custom component generates SVG avatars locally based on user initials.

🤝 Contributing

Feel free to fork and submit PRs. Ensure all new features maintain the "Zero Internet" usage policy.