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What technology can be used to create a p2p connection over wifi between iOS and android devices (no hotspot). Is FireChat MeshKit SDK can be the answer? Are there other SDKs for this?
Hello! Thanks for your question about peer-to-peer (p2p) technology and your need to use this function between iOS and Android devices. The short answer is that there may not be very many solutions out there, but that FireChat appears to be one of the best potential solutions ever since Open Garden has updated the application to support "off-the-grid" messaging between iOS and Android devices. Below you will find a deep dive of my finding.
METHODOLOGY
In order to answer this question properly, I first did research on the general functions of SDKs related to p2p connectivity. I then went on to research multiple support Q&A forums relating to this exact type of question to find out whether some form of p2p connection between iOS and Android was possible with that application. Finally, I looked to the app pages as well as any other tutorials out there about this type of technology in an attempt to find a solution.
FIRECHAT INFORMATION
This particular application now allows p2p connectivity between iOS and Android devices. In recent updates, Open Garden has been able to implement this connectivity ability as FireChat utilizes its own implementation/Mesh Network in many of its functions. FireChat support credits its ability for cross-platform connectivity to the use of WiFi and Bluetooth personal area networking. You can find the FireChat app page for Apple Here and the FireChat app page for Android Here.
FireChat's technology may be a solution, however much of its capability primarily lie in its ability to chat without an internet connection over both devices.
OTHER POTENTIAL SDK SOLUTIONS
Some other possible solutions can be found in an article detailing information about The Serval Mesh, ZombieChat, Signal Offline Messenger, and Vojer. However, FireChat appears to have created the ability for further communication between devices beyond just chat.
Another new app with the ability to transfer files between iOS and Android is called ShareIt. This app uses WiFi direct without the need for a device to be "jail broken."
According to Cardinal Solutions, they were able to solve the dilemma of iOS not supporting NFC which is the Android p2p program. Essentially, an app must have the ability to understand the developed data protocol without the operating system interfering. In order to achieve this and not need a separate client service model, Cardinal Solutions used a WiFi access point and tailored their programs to be able to allow iOS and Android to use UDP (User Datagram Protocol) in a similar fashion. Iphones require UNIX/Darwin OS to utilize UDP while Android can filter broadcast communications & messaging out by default. By utilizing a low API, the WiFi access point allowed for the development of a program with a data protocol simplified enough for both operating systems to be able to connect in a p2p connection.
CONCLUSION
To wrap it up, FireChat has discovered the ability to utilize p2p connectivity between iOS and Android devices. While the FireChat app could be your solution, it may not go beyond the messaging capabilities, but the technology is there. In addition, I am confident the information provided in the above paragraph referencing Cardinal Solutions allows for a deeper understanding of how a WiFi Access Point can be used to create the desired p2p connection. Other applications such as ShareIt may also prove to be useful for your needs. However, there is no currently available application, SDK, nor code easily accessible or found that could be given to you as a 100%, "sure-solution." Many program currently developed and readily available focus primarily on p2p connection for chat and file transfer using either WiFi, Bluetooth, and/or no internet connection.
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