18 Best C# Networking Libraries 2024

C# Networking Libraries are used for various purposes. You can make a Chat App, a Multiplayer Game, a File Sharing App, a Database App, and a Streaming App.  

C# networking libraries are the collection of classes and functions used to develop C# programming language network applications. These libraries provide functionality such as networking protocols, data transfer, encryption, and data storage. Examples of C# networking libraries include the .NET Framework Network Classes, System.Net, and OpenNETCF.  

Let us have a look at C# networking libraries in detail below. 

mRemoteNG 

• Supports many protocols such as RDP, VNC, SSH, Telnet, HTTP/HTTPS, and ICA/HDX. 
• Rich plugin system to extend the functionality of the application. 
• Powerful scripting engine to automate common tasks. 

websocket-sharp 

• Supports the latest websocket protocol specifications. 
• Supports compression of websocket frames using the Per-Message Deflate extension. 
• Actively maintained and regularly updated with new features and bug fixes. 

protobuf-net 

• Serialization and Deserialization. 
• Compact Binary Format. 
• Supports Multiple Platforms. 

DotNetty 

• Event-driven API. 
• Protocol Agnostic. 
• Built-in Pipeline. 

NETworkManager 

• Built-in packet inspection tool that can be used to troubleshoot and diagnose network problems.  
• Powerful tools for developers, such as a network traffic simulator. 
• Allows users to configure, monitor, and control their network traffic quickly. 

Mirror 

• High-performance, extensible, and lightweight. 
• Designed to be platform-agnostic. 
• Supports Unity’s built-in Networking. 

surging 

• High-performance TCP/IP networking stack. 
• Pluggable architecture that allows developers to easily customize and extend the library to meet their specific needs. 
• Provides a range of built-in security features. 

BruteShark 

• Supports many protocols such as HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, and SSL/TLS.  
• Integrated packet capture engine to capture network traffic and save it in various formats.  
• Monitor multiple networks simultaneously and can detect MITM attacks. 

LiteNetLib 

• Supports both client-server and peer-to-peer architectures. 
• Provides reliable UDP messaging with the help of its own packet fragmentation and reassembly mechanism.  
• Supports automatic NAT punchthrough for connecting to peers behind a firewall or router. 

MQTTnet 

• Supports SSL/TLS encryption and authentication. 
• Provides native support for Windows, Linux, and macOS platforms. 
• Includes an integrated logging framework. 

LOIC 

• Allows the user to select from a variety of attack types. 
• Includes a graphical user interface. 
• Includes a feature called “Hive Mind”, which allows users to join a “hive” and send requests in unison with other users. 

SteamKit 

• Support for various languages, including C#, C++, and JavaScript. 
• Highly extensible and can be used to create custom network protocols for games.  
• Various functions are designed to facilitate communication between applications and the Steam network. 

NetCoreServer 

• Flexible API. 
• Robust Security.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility. 

DotNetOpenAuth 

• Provides strong cryptography algorithms and secure communications protocols. 
• Written in C#, it is easy to port to other platforms.  
• Allows developers to extend the library for their specific use cases. 

lidgren-network-gen3 

• Binary Serialization. 
• Peer-to-peer Networking. 
• Reliability. 

BeetleX 

• Built-in support for Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS). 
• Deep integration with the .Net Core platform. 
• Provides an asynchronous, non-blocking programming model with no callbacks and no threads. 

BedrockFramework 

• Provides a distributed object model that allows for objects to be shared across different instances without creating extra copies.  
• Provides a unique set of tools for debugging and monitoring network traffic and performance. 
• Allows for a more robust and reliable system than other libraries written in other languages.   

EvilFOCA 

• Spoofing allows users to hide their IP address when making network requests.   
• The port scanning feature allows users to scan for open ports on a network.  
• The mapping feature allows users to map a network and identify various devices, services, and connections. 

FAQ:

1. What is a network application framework? How can C sharp networking libraries assist in building them?  

A network application framework simplifies the development of applications that use networks. It provides tools and libraries. These frameworks offer developers pre-built components and structures to handle various networking tasks. The tasks may involve saving data. They may also include communicating between clients and servers. Additionally, tasks may involve managing errors. Developers can focus on the app's logic and features without worrying about networking.  

C# provides several networking libraries that can help build network application frameworks. You can benefit from these libraries by creating network application frameworks. 

• Abstraction: It abstracts away low-level networking complexities. It allows developers to focus on higher-level application logic.  
• Security: It offers built-in security features. It implements secure communication channels and data transmission.  
• Consistency: Established libraries provide a strong foundation for your network application. It reduces the likelihood of bugs and vulnerabilities.  
• Productivity: By using pre-built components, developers can accelerate the development process. It reduces the amount of code they need to write from scratch.  
• Scalability: Some frameworks handle large numbers of clients. It offers scalability features out of the box.  

2. Can C# networking libraries create Steam network applications?  

You can use C# networking libraries to make apps that connect with the Steam network. Steam is a digital distribution platform developed by Valve Corporation. It is primarily used for distributing and managing video games and related content. 

It provides an API called the Steamworks API. It allows developers to integrate their applications with the Steam platform. To make the networking parts of your app, use networking libraries and the Steamworks API. You can use the Steamworks API in two ways: with interop mechanisms or C# libraries from third parties.  

3. How do I choose the right networking library using C Sharp language for my project?  

Consider your project's needs when choosing a networking library for your C# project. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:  

• Define Project Requirements  
• Consider Existing Expertise  
• Scalability and Performance  
• Supported Protocols and Features  
• Community and Documentation  
• Ease of Use and Learning Curve  
• Cross-platform compatibility  
• Security considerations  
• Third-party Integration  
• Longevity and Maintenance  
• Licensing and Compatibility  
• Performance Benchmarks and Reviews  
• Experiment and Prototype  
• Flexibility for future growth  

4. How does the .NET Core Library deal with WebSocket connections?  

The ASP.NET Core framework manages WebSocket connections in the .NET Core library. This framework has built-in support for working with WebSocket connections. WebSocket is a communication protocol. A client and a server can communicate using one TCP connection. It makes creating and managing WebSocket connections in your C# networking apps easier.  

The .NET Core library handles WebSocket connections like this: 

• Using ASP.NET Core  
• Creating WebSocket Endpoints  
• WebSocket Handler  
• Handling WebSocket Connections  
• Receiving and Sending Messages  
• Integration with ASP.NET Routing  
• Middleware and Services  
• Full-Duplex Communication  

5. What challenges come with socket programming When building applications with C# Networking Libraries?  

Using socket programming libraries to build applications is difficult because it is complex. Socket programming is challenging because it involves low-level networking and many complexities. Developers have more control over the networking but must handle these challenges.  

Here are some common challenges:  

• Complexity and Learning Curve  
• Synchronization and Concurrency  
• Error Handling and Resilience  
• Data Serialization  
• Buffer Management  
• Protocol Design and Parsing  
• Resource Management  
• Security Concerns  
• Firewalls and NAT Traversal  
• Platform Differences  
• Testing and Debugging  
• Scalability  
• Performance Optimization  
• IPv4 and IPv6 Compatibility  
• Real-time Communication