So I need to send data between a server and client over TCP inside a vehicle. Currently, I have the server up and running but just need to figure out the actual implementation of the data transfer. For the client I need to do the same and figure out how to render the QML correctly. Anyway, what would be a good way to pass data containing QML models or even data such as Artist, Song, and Album (think iPod menu) and then also pass data regarding the song currently playing (song updates like time playing, etc.).

Any ideas about a good way of implementing a protocol to handle this? Basically the center stack is the server and handles the logic while the cluster/client is just a view that renders QML. I was thinking about just passing QStringLists with model information and then dynamically swapping models within the view. Also, I need to send images over TCP while the song is playing for things like Album art.

Also, I need an effective way to cache these images and probably the models too, so the client doesn't need to make a request to the server on every menu switch. Again, think about how an iPod works and that's what I'm going for.