An embodiment includes peer-to-peer (P2P) pairing protocols that mutually authenticate both end points and do not rely upon a backend server or a central certificate provisioning server. An embodiment provides a persistent control path for sending inter-peer control information (e.g., synchronization messages). Another inter-peer path includes an “on-demand” data path enabled when a unit determines content is ready for sharing. After the content is shared, the data path may be deconstructed, which saves resources on both sides and makes the framework more scalable. Also, embodiments include graphical user avatars to whereby a first peer shares content with a second peer by dragging content over the avatar.