Skype problems with routers and NAT

[Derrick Fawsitt]

A friend I particularly want to install Skpe has stopped installing it
until he resolves a particular problem. An article in a UK PC Magazine
dealing with Skype and how to install it, (was it PC World), said that
you can have trouble with Skype and NAT if you have a router. He has a
DLINK D1 614plus and he is afraid installing Skype might disrupt his
business through his DLINK router. He has asked me to look into this
matter for him, can you advise me please. I am not technical so the
question posed above is as he explained it to me and my understanding of
it. He obviously uses a network so no doubt someone will understand his
worry and help me to help him be reassured.

 

[Lanwench [MVP - Exchange]]

A friend I particularly want to install Skpe has stopped installing it
until he resolves a particular problem. An article in a UK PC Magazine
dealing with Skype and how to install it, (was it PC World), said that
you can have trouble with Skype and NAT if you have a router. He has a
DLINK D1 614plus and he is afraid installing Skype might disrupt his
business through his DLINK router. He has asked me to look into this
matter for him, can you advise me please. I am not technical so the
question posed above is as he explained it to me and my understanding
of it. He obviously uses a network so no doubt someone will
understand his worry and help me to help him be reassured.

The main issue is really, does he own the entire network?

Also, how fast is his DSL/cable? And how much/often does he plan to use
Skype? I've used it over my cable modem, through my firewall & NAT, happily
enough - seemed fine to me. If he doesn't like it, he can always a) not use
it and/or b) uninstall it.

 

[Richard Urban]

It works fine behind my Linksys router while using ZoneAlarm Professional.

--
Regards,

Richard Urban

aka Crusty (-: Old B@stard

If you knew as much as you think you know,
You would realize that you don't know what you thought you knew!

 

[Yves Leclerc]

Most Internet applications us a specific IP port (ie port 80 for WWW).
Depending how he uses Skpe, you may need to add a "port-forwarding" to the
router's configuration. With more and more IP based IP long-distance
service coming, this will be required soon.