Host Workflow

Complete guide for hosting files with WifiX.

Starting as a Host

Initial Setup

  1. Navigate to backend directory:

    cd WifiX/backend

  2. Activate virtual environment (if using):

    # Windows
venv\Scripts\activate

# macOS/Linux
source venv/bin/activate

  3. Start the server:

    python app.py

  4. Note the connection information:

    📡 Network Information:
   • Local IP: 192.168.1.100
   • Network URL: http://192.168.1.100:5000

🔗 Connection Options:
   • Room Code: HELLO6
   • mDNS: wifix-hello6.local

  5. Start frontend (new terminal):

    cd WifiX/frontend
npm run dev

  6. Open browser to http://localhost:5173

Managing Files

Uploading Files

Drag and Drop:

  1. Drag file(s) from file explorer

  2. Drop onto upload area

  3. Watch upload progress

  4. File appears in list when complete

Click to Browse:

  1. Click upload area

  2. Select file(s) from dialog

  3. Click “Open”

  4. Monitor upload progress

With File PIN:

  1. Upload file as normal

  2. Enter optional PIN before upload

  3. Clients need this PIN to download

  4. Useful for sensitive files

Viewing Uploaded Files

Files display with:

  • 📄 File icon and name

  • File size

  • Upload timestamp

  • Download count

  • 🔒 Lock icon (if PIN protected)

  • Active download indicators

Deleting Files

Single File:

  1. Click “Delete” button on file

  2. Confirm deletion

  3. File removed from all clients immediately

All Files:

Use “Clear All” button to delete all files at once.

Automatic Deletion:

If FILE_TTL_SECONDS is set, files auto-delete after the specified time.

Monitoring Activity

Connected Clients

View in real-time:

  • Number of connected clients

  • Client IP addresses

  • Connection status (active/downloading)

  • Connection timestamps

Download Activity

Monitor:

  • Active downloads (which client, which file)

  • Download progress (percentage)

  • Completed downloads

  • Download history

Real-Time Notifications

Receive instant updates for:

  • New client connections

  • Client disconnections

  • Download started events

  • Download completed events

  • File upload completion

Sharing Connection Info

Share with Clients

Option 1: Room Code

"Join room HELLO6 at http://192.168.1.100:5173"
PIN: 1234

Option 2: Direct URL

http://192.168.1.100:5173

Option 3: mDNS Address

http://wifix-hello6.local:5173

Option 4: QR Code (if implemented)

Generate QR code containing connection URL for mobile scanning.

Communication Methods

  • Write room code on whiteboard (classroom)

  • Send via chat/email

  • Display on projector screen

  • Share via meeting invite

  • Post on shared document

Advanced Features

Rate Limiting

Built-in rate limits protect your server:

  • 10 uploads per minute per IP

  • 20 deletes per minute per IP

  • 200 requests per day per IP

  • 50 requests per hour per IP

Exceeded clients see error messages.

Session Management

Host session remains active until:

  • Server is stopped

  • Session expires (24 hours default)

  • Manual logout

File TTL (Time-to-Live)

Configure automatic deletion:

# backend/.env
FILE_TTL_SECONDS=3600  # 1 hour

Files delete automatically after TTL expires.

Best Practices

Security

✅ Do:

  • Change default PIN (not 1234)

  • Use per-file PINs for sensitive data

  • Stop server after sharing session

  • Monitor connected clients

  • Delete files after distribution

❌ Don’t:

  • Share room code publicly

  • Leave server running unattended

  • Use weak/obvious PINs

  • Expose to internet without HTTPS

  • Keep sensitive files after session

Performance

✅ Do:

  • Use wired Ethernet when possible

  • Close bandwidth-heavy applications

  • Monitor connected client count

  • Set reasonable MAX_CONTENT_LENGTH

  • Enable FILE_TTL for auto-cleanup

❌ Don’t:

  • Share files larger than configured limit

  • Allow unlimited connections without monitoring

  • Run on slow/congested networks

  • Keep very large files indefinitely

Organization

✅ Do:

  • Name files clearly before uploading

  • Group related files together

  • Delete old files regularly

  • Document room codes for later use

  • Plan file distribution strategy

❌ Don’t:

  • Upload duplicate files

  • Use confusing file names

  • Mix unrelated content

  • Forget to communicate changes

Common Scenarios

Classroom Teaching

Setup:

  1. Start server before class

  2. Write room code on board

  3. Share room PIN verbally

  4. Upload lesson materials

During Class:

  • Students join and download

  • Monitor download progress

  • Add materials as needed

  • Answer student questions

After Class:

  • Verify all students downloaded

  • Delete sensitive materials

  • Keep public resources

  • Stop server

Team Meeting

Preparation:

  1. Start server

  2. Include room code in meeting invite

  3. Upload presentation deck

  4. Upload supporting documents

During Meeting:

  • Share screen showing room code

  • Participants download materials

  • Add documents as discussion progresses

  • Monitor participant access

Wrap-up:

  • Ensure all attendees have files

  • Delete drafts/confidential items

  • Keep final versions available

  • Send follow-up with room code

Event File Distribution

Before Event:

  1. Set up server on reliable hardware

  2. Configure for large user count

  3. Test with sample files

  4. Prepare backup method

During Event:

  • Display room code prominently

  • Monitor server performance

  • Watch for issues

  • Provide assistance as needed

After Event:

  • Keep files available briefly

  • Set TTL for automatic cleanup

  • Collect feedback

  • Document metrics (downloads, clients)

Troubleshooting

Upload Failures

Issue: Upload fails or gets stuck

Solutions:

  • Check disk space

  • Verify file size under MAX_CONTENT_LENGTH

  • Check network connectivity

  • Review server logs

  • Try smaller file first

No Clients Connecting

Issue: Clients can’t connect to room

Solutions:

  • Verify server is running

  • Check firewall allows ports 5000, 5173

  • Ensure HOST=0.0.0.0 in .env

  • Verify all devices on same network

  • Share correct URL/room code

Server Performance Issues

Issue: Slow or unresponsive

Solutions:

  • Check system resources (CPU, RAM)

  • Limit concurrent clients

  • Reduce MAX_CONTENT_LENGTH

  • Enable rate limiting

  • Use wired connection

  • Restart server

See Also