When does relay server kick in ?

[Les]

Hi,
I understand that when the 2 clients don't have a direct
view of each other, things slow down becausea relay server
kicks in.
It happens if clients are behind a firewall, etc...
So my question is: does the Win XP ICF countas a proper
firewall in that respect, or is it just company firewall ?
Thanks

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Les,

Depending on what exactly you're referring to, the "relay server" used in MSN Messenger 6 is
only used for Webcam conversations when a direct connection can't be established (there's
also a "relay" if you send a file and it is blocked, but this "relay" will just be the actual
server used for text messaging). The ICF will prevent the Webcam from working properly, as
well company firewalls, routers, etc. Currently the 'Webcam' functionality doesn't have
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support and as such, even routers and firewalls which support
UPnP will cause the relay server to be utilized.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com