Channel Management

[MrAlders0n]

✨ New Features

Dynamic Channel Key Derivation

• Added deriveChannelKey() function that generates a 16-byte channel key from any hashtag channel name using SHA-256 hashing
  • Supports any hashtag channel (e.g., #wardriving, #wardrive, #test)
  • Validates channel name format (must start with # and contain only letters, numbers, and dashes)
  • Normalizes channel names to lowercase following MeshCore convention
  • Uses Web Crypto API with proper error handling for environments lacking crypto support

Automatic Channel Creation

• Added createWardriveChannel() function that automatically creates the wardriving channel if it doesn't exist
  • Finds the first available empty channel slot
  • Throws descriptive error if no channel slots are available
  • Uses derived channel key for secure channel creation

Enhanced Channel Management

• Updated ensureChannel() function to automatically create channels when not found
  • Attempts to create the channel if lookup fails
  • Provides better error messages for troubleshooting
  • Eliminates the need for manual channel creation on companion devices

Automatic Channel Cleanup

• Added channel deletion on disconnect
  • Automatically removes the wardriving channel when disconnecting
  • Prevents channel slot pollution on companion devices
  • Includes graceful error handling (disconnect continues even if deletion fails)

🔧 Improvements

Security Enhancements

• Removed hardcoded encryption key (WARDROVE_KEY)
  • Replaced with dynamic key derivation for better security practices
  • Each channel now derives its own unique key from the channel name

User Experience

• Better error messages throughout the channel management flow
• More informative debug logging for troubleshooting
• Reduced manual setup requirements (no need to pre-create channels)

🐛 Bug Fixes

• None in this release

📝 Documentation

• Updated README. md badge to reflect version 1.2.1

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Breaking Changes: None - This is a backwards-compatible enhancement release.

Migration Notes: Users no longer need to manually create the #wardriving channel on their companion devices before connecting. The app will create it automatically.