ex-webby

Hi All

I'm thinking about writing a chat app with a few extra features for scoobynet.

I want to get round the fact that many people access scoobynet during the day and can't use that kind of application from behind their firewall.

Is http tunneling the answer? Anyone have any good source code / white papers for vb6?

cheers

Simon

Fosters

I've just written a natty multiple connection TCP server, which your welcome to look at the code.

as to the firewall thing, I need to do some research on this. I'll let you know how I get on.

Fosters

have you tried these
http://www.microsoft.com/com/wpaper/dcomfw.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isapi/gomsd...d/html/CIS.htm

[Edited by Fosters - 1/23/2003 5:02:59 PM]

David_Wallis

http tunneling on port 80 would let you do it... thats way remotely anywhere works and goes through our firewall here no probs...

this will be well cool if it happens..

you would be better off looking at .net as there as some good examples of how to do this + its easier.

David

Fosters

.Net .Schmetz jeez, I guess I ought to learn this... now where's my copy

slightly off thread David, but will .net install alongside vb6 without repercussions?

bioforger

iTrader: (1)

http://www.HTTP-tunnel.com

I use the above, works well on a free server. You have to pay to get full speed though. But its fine for IRC/chatting apps. Im using it now to use IRC thru work firewall on port 8080

David_Wallis

it will fosters.. (well i've got both installed fine at home)

MrDeference

Nah. Just use the RTC API from MS.

dsmith

Fosters

I'm now way an expert (I barely achieve "n00b" ) but I have VB6 and .net enterpise installed and it doesn't seem to have caused any problems. I think they're sooo different that the files are all very seperate.

The bloke who I got .net off *is* an expert and didnt seem to think they'd be a problem either....

Deano

Jeff Wiltshire

It will get past a Protocol Filter or Stateful Inspection Firewall but would probable have a problem with Application Level Firewall (Proxy servers).

On a different note should Scoobynet be actively providing a way to bypass a Companies Security Policy ???

Jeff

MrDeference

Seems I misread the first post.
Simon, if someone is using MSN Messenger, and it won't work through their company firewall, there isn't anything that you can write that will either.
However, if you want to write a glorified chat client, the most easy starting point is the MS RTC API as I mentioned above. You will have written a fully functional client in a couple of hours.

ex-webby

Hi All

Thanks for the replies so far, some good stuff to look at.

MrDeference

I've written around 30 socket comms applications and around 5 chat apps over the last few years. Using HTTP-Tunneling you *can* get a chat app to work through a company firewall. This is in-fact (as far as I can tell) the standard way of doing it.

All the best

Simon

MrDeference

Yes, Simon you are right.
However, MSN Messenger uses P80 tunnelling. If it fails to get through a firewall, then I don't think there is anything you can write that will do better than that, because as Jeff points out, application level firewalls will chuck out the traffic.
Good luck though.

ex-webby

maybe needs more thought from the moral standpoint of bypassing company security.

thanks for pointing that one out.

all the best

Simon

Jeff Wiltshire

Simon

I think you need to be careful here. You've already stated on the record that this client would be specifically designed to bypass a companies security. You could be liable under the Computer Misuse Act for this. On the face of it you're doing it for the benefit of the Scoobynet community which is laudable from a community perspective but not from the company that supplies the bandwidth and tools for company employees to work. As a limited company (I assume that Scoobynet is a limited company and you are a Director) you could face legal action (however unlikely it may appear) if you provide this facility.

Just a thought.


Jeff

MrDeference

"You've already stated on the record that this client would be specifically designed to bypass a companies security."
I thought he just stated he wanted to enable people behind firewalls to chat?

Are you trying to tell me that anyone who writes tunneling software that *could* be used to circumvent a firewall is liable for an employee using it to abuse their computer use? I don't think so.

Jeff Wiltshire

Mr Deference

I'm not trying to tell you anything as you all ready know everything.

dowser

I think the company is more likely to take action against the individual concerned (via terms and conditions contract) than against s'net - it wouldn't be the first to provide such a service!

Richard

MrDeference

.

[Edited by MrDeference - 1/23/2003 8:25:42 PM]