Cannot start voice conversation with PC outside of local network

[alex]

I am trying to start voice conversation with PC outside of
local network. I have cable broadband connection with SMC
8 port router between cable modem and 5 local machines.

Windows Messenger voice feature works fine with PC on
local network and Yahoo messenger has no problem with
voice connection even to outside machines.

What could be the problem.

Thank you,
alex

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Alex,

Which model of SMC 8 port router are you using? In order for voice conversations to be
successful outside the local network, the router must support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)
or have some type of built-in Messenger voice capability (which is probably does not). If
you reply back here with the model of the router, we can quickly determine if it currently
does support UPnP.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

 

[alex]

Jonathan,

Thank you very much for your help.

My 8 port Barricade Router (SMC7008ABR) is not UPnP
compatible according to SMC tech support.

By why does Yahoo messenger work fine?

Thanks again,
alex

-----Original Message-----
Greetings Alex,

Which model of SMC 8 port router are you using? In order for voice conversations to be
successful outside the local network, the router must

support Universal Plug and Play (UPnP)

or have some type of built-in Messenger voice capability

(which is probably does not). If

you reply back here with the model of the router, we can

quickly determine if it currently

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi Alex,

As I mentioned previously, Windows Messenger makes use of UPnP capabilities to get through a
router/NAT, but Yahoo Messenger uses a few other "tricks". Namely, it will try connecting
you from your contacts' side (that is, if they're not using a router/NAT or firewall as
well), and if that fails, will automatically send your voice conversation through a 'relay'
server. That meaning, your voice gets sent to a central Yahoo server, and then server sends
it to your contact -- and vice versa.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com