nethub

nethub opens a Unix-domain or TCP server and listens for incoming connections. When some data is received from one of the clients, it is forwarded to all the other clients; pretty much like a multi-user chat.

Used in conjuction with a software like socat, it allows connection sharing (e.g. run several IRC bots on the same connection). Add OpenBSD's nc and you'll be able to inject data into the shared connection. Note that in that case both side will catch it.

Using socat's unidirectional mode (-u), you could also broadcast data to multiple clients (e.g. audio streams, or notifications).

Requirements

Not much. All it should need is a POSIX compliant system.

Installing

Just use make:

make
make DESTDIR=/usr/local install

Documentation

Usage: nethub --help
       nethub [-v] -u SOCKET
       nethub [-v] [-46] [-l ADDRESS] -p PORT

Options:
  -h, --help           print this help
  -v, --verbose        no need to explain
  -n, --slots NUM      specify the maximum number of clients
  -u, --socket PATH    create a Unix domain socket
  -p, --port PORT      open a TCP server
  -4, --ipv4           force IPv4
  -6, --ipv6           force IPv6
  -l, --bind ADDRESS   specify the address to bind (TCP)

See the man page, nethub.1, for extensive documentation.