CommunisP is a secure, decentralized peer-to-peer chat platform. It offers robust end-to-end encryption, zero server-side message storage, and flexible usage—whether you choose to remain completely anonymous or create an account to take advantage of saved preferences and contact lists.
Why CommunisP?
- No Central Servers: CommunisP directly connects you to other users, eliminating third-party data storage.
- End-to-End Encryption: Every message is encrypted on your device and only decrypted by the recipient.
- Forward Secrecy: Ephemeral keys ensure past conversations remain protected, even if future keys are compromised.
- No Logs, No Metadata: Once you close your session, all message history disappears. Nothing is stored server-side.
Anonymous Usage (No Account Required)
Step 1: Access CommunisP
- Open the Website: Visit communisp.com. The platform instantly generates a unique numeric Peer ID for you.
- No Registration Needed: Start chatting right away with no personal info required.
Step 2: Share Your Peer ID
- Exchange IDs: To chat, both parties need each other’s Peer IDs.
- Share Your ID: Send your Peer ID via email, another secure messenger, or even tell it verbally.
Step 3: Connect to a Peer
- Enter Their Peer ID: On the main screen, find the “Enter Peer ID” field and input the other person’s ID.
- Click “Connect”: CommunisP uses WebRTC to establish a direct, encrypted P2P channel.
Step 4: Start Chatting
- Send Messages: Type your message and hit “Send.” All communication is fully end-to-end encrypted.
- Ephemeral Keys: Each message is independently secured, so even if future keys are compromised, past chats stay safe.
Step 5: Temporary and Private
- No Logging: Close your browser, and no server-side logs remain.
- New Session, New ID: Each visit grants a fresh Peer ID, ensuring total anonymity.
Key Points for Anonymous Use:
- You appear as a numeric Peer ID with no username.
- No saved contacts or preferences.
- Perfect for quick, private, one-off conversations.
Using an Account (Logged-In Experience)
If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider creating an account:
Step 1: Create an Account (Optional)
- Register: Provide a username and password. This unlocks advanced features like saving contacts and customization.
- Log In: After registering, log in to associate your Peer ID with your chosen username for easier recognition.
Step 2: Username-Based Sessions
- Recognizable Identity: Each session still provides a unique Peer ID, but it’s now tied to your username, helping contacts confirm it’s really you.
Step 3: Manage Contacts and Preferences
- Save Contacts: Keep a list of frequently messaged peers to avoid re-entering their IDs.
- Notification Preferences: Decide who can “Ping” you—everyone, no one, or just your contacts. These settings persist even if you’re offline.
Step 4: Connecting with Contacts
- Quick Connect: Instead of typing an ID each time, just select a saved contact and start chatting instantly.
Step 5: Enhanced Experience
- Send Messages and Files: Enjoy fully encrypted text and file transfers.
- Return as You Left It: Your contacts, preferences, and notification settings remain each time you log in, offering a consistent, user-centric experience.
Key Points for Logged-In Users:
- Username-based identity for easier recognition and trust.
- Saved contacts and fine-tuned notification options.
- Better overall UI and persistent settings for convenience.
Contact Name Colors and Availability
- Green Names: Contacts that are currently online or recently active appear with green text. They are more likely to respond promptly.
- Red Names: Contacts shown in red text are offline. Clicking on an offline contact prompts you to send a “ping” notification. If they have ping notifications enabled, this can help draw their attention to come back online.
- Message Highlighting: Newly received messages briefly highlight in the chat window, making it easier to spot fresh messages.
Emojis Explained
- 🟢 (Green Circle): Indicates an online/active contact.
- 🔐 (Lock): Signifies a fully secure, encrypted connection (keys exchanged, connection stable).
- 🔴 (Red Circle): Shows that a contact is offline or inactive.
- 🔓 (Unlocked Padlock): Indicates the connection is not yet fully secure (e.g., key exchange pending).
For example:
- 🟢🔐: Contact is online and the connection is fully secure.
- 🔴🔓: Contact is offline and/or the connection isn't fully established or secure yet.
The “Share” Link Feature
Sometimes, you may want a simple, foolproof way for another person to connect with you on CommunisP—especially if they’re new to the platform. That’s where the “Share” button comes in:
How It Works
- One-Click Link Generation: When you click “Share,” CommunisP creates a unique URL. If you’re logged in and have a username, this URL will include your username instead of your temporary Peer ID. If you’re not logged in, it will use your current Peer ID instead.
- Permanent Username Links: If you’re logged in, sharing a username-based link allows the recipient to always connect to your current session—even if your ephemeral Peer ID changes later. The link points to your username, and CommunisP will dynamically find your active Peer ID each time someone opens it.
- Ephemeral ID Links (Without Login): If you’re not logged in, the shared link includes your current Peer ID. The recipient can still use the link, but it’s tied to that specific, temporary ID. If you refresh the page or leave the site, you’ll get a new ID next time, meaning the previously shared link may no longer connect directly to you.
For the Sender:
-
Click “Share” Button: Instantly get a sharable URL.
If you have a username, the URL will look like
?username=YourUsername; if not, it’ll use?peerId=YourEphemeralID. - Distribute the URL Securely: Send this link via your preferred method. The recipient doesn’t need to manually type in a Peer ID.
For the Recipient:
- Open the Shared Link: Their browser loads CommunisP with the connection details pre-filled. If the link is username-based and you’re online, they’ll see your current available session. If it’s based on an ephemeral Peer ID, they’ll see the ID that was active at the time you shared the link.
- Just Click “Connect”: No need for copying or pasting IDs. One click establishes a secure, encrypted P2P channel. For username-based links, this remains convenient and future-proof, as CommunisP automatically finds your latest Peer ID each time they open the link.
Why This is Helpful
- Simplified Onboarding: New users can connect to you with minimal effort.
- Convenience and Reliability: Username-based links provide a stable entry point that doesn’t break if your Peer ID changes.
- No Tech Hurdles: It removes the step of exchanging numeric IDs manually, streamlining the process for both parties.
In short, the “Share” feature transforms what could be a cumbersome exchange of IDs into a seamless, one-link solution—helping users get chatting faster, whether you’re using an ephemeral Peer ID or a stable username.
General Tips
- Active Peers & Searches: Check the active peers list or use the search function to find who’s online.
- Indicators & Pings: Use typing indicators, read receipts, and “Ping” notifications to gauge conversation flow without exposing message content.
- No Central Logs: After you close CommunisP, no history remains on our servers. Your privacy is always respected.
Summary
Anonymous Users: Ideal for spontaneous, private chats. Just share Peer IDs or a generated link, connect, and go—no saved data or preferences.
Logged-In Users: Enjoy persistent contacts, custom notification settings, and a username-based identity. Your environment stays consistent, meeting modern expectations for convenience and personalization.
In every scenario, CommunisP enforces end-to-end encryption, leverages ephemeral keys for forward secrecy, and never stores your chat logs on central servers. The result is a communication environment that’s secure, private, and fully under your control.