Key Question

The key can also be generated with a length of 3,072 or 4,096 bits if you choose one of those options. This process takes some time, and a progress bar at the bottom of the window provides the details. Clicking Next takes you to a program window with an overlapping splash page that shows you how to set up your first peer-to-peer connections between nodes, which requires the exchange of public certificates between the individual participants. A keychain collects the certificate on the respective target computer. Retroshare displays the key generated for your system in the input window and offers various options on how to use and exchange keys by clicking on the Invite icon (a silhouette with a plus sign) in the top right corner above the key display.

Because this RSA key always has to be in place when you add new partners to your network, you should save it in a file; then, you can invite contacts by email or other means by sending them your key.

If you receive a key from another person, add it to the keychain in the dialog that appears after clicking Add friends certificate. The software then validates the key and adds the contact to your network (Figure 2). A notification appears in the system tray.

Figure 2: Connecting to others with the wizard.

Network

Because Retroshare is an overlay network, from time to time, two friends fail to establish a connection, despite the correct transmission and integration of keys into the software. The software uses UPnP technology and therefore does not usually require any manual settings.

However, if you do experience problems establishing a connection in the context of DSL or MiFi routers, you need to set up port forwarding manually on the router to the computer running Retroshare. Use an unprivileged port above 1024.

The selected port must then point to the same port number on the Retroshare system for both UDP and TCP. To set up port forwarding in Retroshare, first select Options (the gear) in the program window and then Network | Network Configuration. In the Nat field, set the entry to Manually Forwarded Port and enter the port numbers off to the side. The connection should then be established.

Interface

The main window offers numerous services, which you typically only see as independent programs, at the top in a horizontal buttonbar. In addition to a mail service, you will find a chat module, file transfer options, and a forum function where you can set up discussion areas similar to public forums on the Internet.

The mail client lets you compose posts offline and send them when your computer goes back online, and a link page allows you to share files in the form of links on the Retroshare network.