Messenger version and NAT

[Bill Holt]

I've got Windows Messenger 4 on one machine and 4.7 on another. Another
machine has Netmeeting on Windows 2000.

All works to another user, audio and video, when I go online through an
ISDN adaptor. But when I bring up a wireless network and go online via
an ISDN router using NAT, it all stops working. The makers of the router
say that they don't support this and that the suggestion of Microsoft to
set up a proxy server is insecure. The audio works inside the local
network, but not through the router, so I don't think I have any
firewall issues.

I am now thinking of using a Belkin ADSL router, but Belkin don't seem
to answer support emails. How do I find out if this will work without
actually paying for the ADSL service for a year?

Is there a simple description of any of this anywhere?

The actual questions are:
What is compatible between Netmeeting, Windows Messenger and MSN
Messenger? The Netmeeting video addon doesn't see Messenger as a
compatible service.

Is there a sensible list of NAT equipment that supports Messenger, and
should I really be looking at any third party software to do this? Any
suggestions of low cost audio/video messaging software that actually
works?

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Bill,

In order to use Netmeeting through a router, all the router needs to do is support H.323
(which most do) -- although you may also need to set a PC into the DMZ of the router (see
documentation).

However, for Windows Messenger, the router will need to support Universal Plug and Play
(UPnP) in order for voice/video conversations to be successful through a NAT (router). There
is no master list of UPnP enabled routers, as this changes on a continuous basis, although
most new and namebrand routers do now support it.

Take for example the Draytek Vigor2600:
http://www.draytek.com.tw/english/product/vigor2600_x_w_we.php

I wouldn't recommended Belkin personally (they do not profess to having UPnP support) -- but
you shouldn't need to purchase any service to buy a ADSL/ISDN-enabled router direct from the
manufacturer.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com