Instant Messenger (type thingy)

[rbxslvr]

Ok, I've never made an internet-connected program before and I need someone to help me get going.

First off, my "Server" is deep within the network... it goes through a couple routers (piggybacked). I can not forward the ports. Is there a way I could set up a simple "Instant messenger" type of program? A technique I should use? I can't just use my "outside" IP address because of the routers, the only other thing I could think of would be to use an FTP server and host a small file which the other computer would receive any updates to... but I want it instant without any performance issues, so I can't have it checking that file.


I'm boggled.


"Uh, so, uh, anything you can do to, uh, to help, would be... very... helpful..." - Monty Python and the Holy Grail

[drivenbywhat]

I don't think it's possible to do what you are asking even if it is a simple IM program. I just practiced on a simple IM program myself and had come to sort of the same issue. You must be able to do port forwarding so the router sends the IM to the correct pc. Why do you say you can't do port forwarding? Do you not have the rights to touch the routers? If you do, I think it would just be a matter of forwarding from each router to the next. Once the main router gets the IM from the internet, port forward it to the next router address, then the next router and so on till you get to the last router and put in the pc's ip.

The only other way I've seen mentioned on this board is to have a server outside of the routers. Meaning it's able to get direct traffic and has no real protection.

[rbxslvr]

I don't think it's possible to do what you are asking even if it is a simple IM program. I just practiced on a simple IM program myself and had come to sort of the same issue. You must be able to do port forwarding so the router sends the IM to the correct pc. Why do you say you can't do port forwarding? Do you not have the rights to touch the routers? If you do, I think it would just be a matter of forwarding from each router to the next. Once the main router gets the IM from the internet, port forward it to the next router address, then the next router and so on till you get to the last router and put in the pc's ip.

The only other way I've seen mentioned on this board is to have a server outside of the routers. Meaning it's able to get direct traffic and has no real protection.

She works for a major insurance company, and they have the admin and password.... it isn't default. It's for security. I need to be able to do it without port forwarding.

[DigiRev]

She works for a major insurance company, and they have the admin and password.... it isn't default. It's for security. I need to be able to do it without port forwarding.

That computer can't be a server unless you enable port forwarding. It will only be able to accept connections from the LAN and not the internet.

You can still do it without a server, but you need a central place to store the chat text and whatnot, like an FTP server.

All clients could just read/write from a chat log file on the server.

[rbxslvr]

That computer can't be a server unless you enable port forwarding. It will only be able to accept connections from the LAN and not the internet.

You can still do it without a server, but you need a central place to store the chat text and whatnot, like an FTP server.

All clients could just read/write from a chat log file on the server.

right, but it would need to be instant... is there something that I could use to trigger an event in my program? anything?

[DigiRev]

right, but it would need to be instant... is there something that I could use to trigger an event in my program? anything?

You don't have a capable computer to use as a server. Have realistic expectations. It won't be as "instant" as it is with a server.

But, the reason I recommended FTP is because unlike HTTP, it is not a connect-and-drop protocol. Once you are connected, you can just send/receive commands without having to reconnect.

Also, most modern FTP servers support Resume. This allows you to specify where in the chat log file you can start from. So you don't have to download the entire file every time to refresh the chat window.

[DigiRev]

is there something that I could use to trigger an event in my program? anything?

Forgot to respond to this.

If you go with FTP, then no...the server doesn't send you anything if the chat log file is updated, so there won't be an "event".

You will probably need to send the LST command to get a list of files. I think the "last modified" information is sent a long with it. You will need to keep track of this to know if the file has been modified.

Also, for security reasons, whatever FTP account you use will need to have limited access. Read/Write to that file, or folder, only. Or the FTP user/pass will be clearly visible in any packet monitor/packet sniffing program.