Client Workflow

Complete guide for clients connecting to and downloading files from WifiX.

Connecting to a Room

Prerequisites

  • Connected to the same network as the host

  • Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

  • Room code and PIN from host

Connection Methods

Method 1: Room Code

  1. Open browser to frontend URL (e.g., http://192.168.1.100:5173)

  2. Click “Join Room”

  3. Enter room code (e.g., HELLO6)

  4. Enter room PIN (provided by host)

  5. Click “Join”

Method 2: Direct URL

  1. Open URL shared by host

  2. Enter room PIN when prompted

  3. Access file list immediately

Method 3: mDNS/Bonjour

  1. Open http://wifix-<roomcode>.local:5173

  2. Enter PIN

  3. Connect automatically

First Connection

When joining a room, you’ll see:

┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Enter Room Code                     │
├─────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Room Code: [______]                 │
│ Room PIN:  [______]                 │
│                                     │
│ [Join Room]                         │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘

Enter the information provided by the host.

Browsing Files

File List View

After connecting, you’ll see available files:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ WifiX Client - Room: HELLO6                 │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ 📁 Available Files (5):                     │
│                                             │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ 📄 lecture_notes.pdf      2.5 MB        │ │
│ │ Uploaded: 10 min ago                    │ │
│ │ [Download]                              │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
│                                             │
│ ┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐ │
│ │ 📊 presentation.pptx     15.3 MB  [🔒]  │ │
│ │ Uploaded: 5 min ago                     │ │
│ │ [Download]                              │ │
│ └─────────────────────────────────────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

File Information

Each file shows:

  • Icon: Type indicator (📄 document, 📷 image, 📊 presentation)

  • Name: Original filename

  • Size: File size in MB/KB

  • Timestamp: When uploaded

  • Lock icon (🔒): Protected with per-file PIN

  • Status: Download status (available, downloading, downloaded)

Real-Time Updates

File list updates automatically when:

  • Host uploads new files

  • Files are deleted by host

  • Other clients download files

  • Your download completes

Downloading Files

Basic Download

  1. Locate file in list

  2. Click “Download” button

  3. Watch progress bar

  4. File saves to browser’s download folder

Progress Indicator

During download:

📊 presentation.pptx
⬇️ Downloading... 45% (6.9/15.3 MB)
Speed: 2.3 MB/s • ETA: 4 seconds
[███████████░░░░░░░░░░░░░]

Shows:

  • Percentage complete

  • Downloaded / Total size

  • Current speed

  • Estimated time remaining

  • Visual progress bar

Protected Files

For files with 🔒 icon:

  1. Click “Download”

  2. Enter file PIN when prompted:

    📄 confidential_report.pdf [🔒]
This file requires an additional PIN
File PIN: [______]
[Download]

  3. Correct PIN allows download

  4. Incorrect PIN shows error

Download Multiple Files

Option 1: One at a time

  • Download each file individually

  • Simple, straightforward

Option 2: Select multiple (if UI supports)

  • Check boxes for desired files

  • Click “Download Selected”

  • Files download sequentially

Download Location

Files save to:

  • Windows: C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\

  • macOS: /Users/YourName/Downloads/

  • Linux: ~/Downloads/

  • Mobile: Device’s download folder

Change location in browser settings.

Managing Downloads

Download Queue

Multiple downloads queue automatically:

Download Queue:
1. ✅ lecture_notes.pdf (Complete)
2. ⬇️ presentation.pptx (Downloading - 45%)
3. ⏳ video.mp4 (Queued)
4. ⏳ assignment.docx (Queued)

Pausing/Canceling

  • Pause: Browser’s download manager (Ctrl+J)

  • Cancel: Click stop button or close tab

  • Resume: May not be supported (depends on browser)

Failed Downloads

If download fails:

  1. Check network connection

  2. Verify file still exists (not deleted by host)

  3. Re-enter file PIN if applicable

  4. Try again

Common failure reasons:

  • Network disconnected

  • Host stopped server

  • File was deleted

  • Session expired

  • File PIN changed

Mobile Experience

Accessing from Phone/Tablet

  1. Connect to WiFi (same network as host)

  2. Open browser (Safari, Chrome)

  3. Navigate to URL or enter room code

  4. Use as normal - interface adapts to mobile

Mobile-Specific Features

  • Touch-optimized interface

  • Responsive layout

  • Swipe gestures

  • Native download integration

  • Share downloaded files via system share sheet

Tablet Considerations

  • Larger screen = desktop-like experience

  • Better for viewing file lists

  • Easier to download multiple files

  • Split-screen multitasking possible

Best Practices

Connection

✅ Do:

  • Save room URL as bookmark

  • Keep PIN secure

  • Verify you’re on correct network

  • Check room code with host if unsure

❌ Don’t:

  • Share room code with unauthorized users

  • Connect on public WiFi (security risk)

  • Guess room codes/PINs

  • Stay connected longer than needed

Downloading

✅ Do:

  • Download files you need

  • Verify file names before downloading

  • Check file sizes (especially on mobile/metered)

  • Delete downloaded files when done with them

❌ Don’t:

  • Download everything without review

  • Re-download files you already have

  • Download over metered connections (check file sizes)

  • Leave downloads incomplete

Etiquette

✅ Do:

  • Notify host if files are missing

  • Report issues promptly

  • Disconnect when finished

  • Thank the host

❌ Don’t:

  • Overwhelm host with requests

  • Complain about download speeds (network dependent)

  • Share connection info without permission

  • Stay connected unnecessarily

Common Scenarios

Classroom Student

Joining:

  1. Host writes room code on board

  2. Connect to classroom WiFi

  3. Enter room code and PIN

  4. Browse available materials

During Class:

  • Download lecture notes

  • Save assignments locally

  • Reference materials as needed

  • Download supplementary resources

After Class:

  • Verify all files downloaded

  • Organize in folders

  • Disconnect from room

Meeting Participant

Before Meeting:

  1. Receive room code in meeting invite

  2. Join room when meeting starts

  3. Download agenda/presentation

During Meeting:

  • Follow along with shared docs

  • Download updates as posted

  • Save reference materials

  • Note any password-protected files

After Meeting:

  • Download any missed files

  • Save meeting notes

  • Archive important documents

Event Attendee

At Event:

  1. Note room code from screen/board

  2. Connect during event

  3. Download event materials

  4. Save photos/videos shared

Advantages:

  • No email needed

  • Instant access

  • No file size limits (configured)

  • Works offline (LAN only)

Troubleshooting

Can’t Connect

Issue: Cannot join room

Solutions:

  1. Verify on same network as host

  2. Check room code is correct

  3. Ensure PIN is accurate (no spaces)

  4. Try host’s direct IP URL

  5. Ask host to restart server

Room Not Found

Issue: “Room does not exist”

Solutions:

  • Double-check room code

  • Ask host for current code

  • Verify server is running

  • Try mDNS URL instead

  • Check for typos

Download Fails

Issue: Download doesn’t start or fails

Solutions:

  • Check network connection

  • Verify disk space available

  • Re-enter file PIN (if protected)

  • Try different browser

  • Ask host if file was deleted

Slow Downloads

Issue: Very slow download speed

Solutions:

  • Move closer to WiFi router

  • Disconnect other devices

  • Close other tabs/apps

  • Switch to wired connection (if possible)

  • Ask host about server load

Advanced Tips

Browser Settings

Enable parallel downloads:

  • Chrome: chrome://flags/#enable-parallel-downloading

  • Firefox: Network settings → Enable parallel downloads

Change download location:

  • Settings → Downloads → Location

  • Set to SSD for better performance

  • Create project-specific folders

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Ctrl+J (Cmd+J Mac): Open downloads

  • Ctrl+Shift+R (Cmd+Shift+R Mac): Hard refresh

  • F12: Developer console (troubleshooting)

  • Ctrl+S (Cmd+S Mac): Save current page

Using Developer Tools

Press F12 to open console and:

  • Check for JavaScript errors

  • Verify WebSocket connection

  • Monitor network requests

  • Debug download issues

// Check connection status
console.log('Connected:', socket.connected);

// View available files
console.log('Files:', files);

See Also