Nayruden's /dev/random

As part of my requirements for obtaining my degree, I’m doing a network capstone project this semester.  I’ve always been somewhat fascinated with NATs and specifically, how to break them, so I decided to work on a NAT traversal application. Enter NetTunnel: The purpose of NetTunnel is to provide a means for users with a lack of knowledge of networking or on a restrictive network an easy and simple means to share network services with other users.

Basically, say I’m on a restrictive network (like the dorm network) that does not allow me to host servers with the world due to NAT restrictions. I want to run ventrilo on my machine and have my friends join so I can chat with them. Unaided, this would be impossible, but if my friends and I are running NetTunnel a “hole” will be opened up in the network so they can connect.

It’s a pretty simple concept that’s already done in most modern desktop applications like Skype and peer to peer games. As far as I could tell this idea’s never been extended to a general level like NetTunnel, so there is a definite need for it. The closest application to it I could find is GameRanger, though GameRanger is aimed specifically at games.

I’ve set up a quick static page for NetTunnel at nettunnel.nayruden.com. Keep an eye out for further development, and I’d love to hear feedback about it!

While talking to LightSys, an organization that offers free IT services to mission organizations, I was told about the Christian Open Development Network or CODN (pronounced codin’). The site is in dire need of a refresh and a core community (last update is 2005?!). I felt like God was nudging me while they described what they wanted CODN to be, especially since what they need is exactly what I have experience with from managing the Ulysses community.

So, if you or any friends are interested in Christian open source development, be sure to watch the site over the following months as we work on it. If you’ve got any ideas on what you’d like to see there, be sure to drop a note in the comments.