Directory: Skype / VoIP Phones | Resource: Skype / VoIP |

Skype Problems - Router and Modem Connection

Skype Probelm - Router/modem connectivity related

Before you conduct these tests, make sure that you can connect to the internet and that your network administrator has allowed functionality for these processes over your network.

Telnet test: Click on the "Start" button at the lower-left corner of the desktop. Select "Run". In the "open" box, enter "cmd" and click "OK." A new command-prompt window will open.

At the command-prompt type either: "telnet -ex 195.215.8.141 33033" or "telnet -ex 212.72.49.141 33033" (without the quotes) and press "Enter."

If the window turns blank, press "x". If you see the following: "Welcome to Microsoft Telnet Client", the telnet connection to Skype is working properly. If you see "Connecting To" for a long time or "Could not open connection to the host", the connection to Skype is not working.

If the connection to Skype could not be completed, then try: "telnet -ex google.com 80" to see if your firewall is blocking only the Skype server or all connections.

Tracert test: If the command-prompt window is still open, skip to the next step. Click on the “Start” button at the lower-left corner of the desktop. Select “Run”. In the "open" box, enter “cmd” and click “OK.” A new command-prompt window will open.

At the command-prompt type: “tracert www.skype.com“ (without the quotes) and press “Enter.“

If the test causes connectivity loss, it is a router problem. Upgrade the router firmware or replace with another one. If the test shows *s in the results, then there may be a network issue with that particular point on the internet. This is beyond your immediate control to fix.

Skype Problem - Router configuration

Application: Within your router configuration settings, there should be a section on applications. For most routers, it is usually found under “Advanced.“ Enable entries like “Skype“, “PC-to-Phone“, or other similar entries. Once your router has re-started, try your call again to see if the problem has been resolved. If not, then see your routers user manual for more details on how to add Skype to the approved list.

Port forwarding: Port forwarding is a technique that allows a system outside of your part of the network to reach a port on a system on the inside of the network using a private IP address and a NAT-enabled router. For many routers this is required for Skype to function properly and to reduce packet losses.

Within Skype, select Tools -> Options -> Advanced -> Connection. At the top there should be: “Use port “NNN“ for incoming connections,“ and “Use port 80 and 443 as alternatives for incoming connections.“

Remember or write down the number “NNN“ from the Skype settings and enable the “Use port 80 and 443“ option (In some ZoneAlarm free freewall, Skype cannot connect when this option is selected. In this case, uncheck it) and then close the configuration window.

Within your router configuration enable port forwarding for port “NNN“. Save the settings, and re-start the router. If this does not work, then enable port forwarding for ports 80 and 443. Be aware that this step may leave your PC vulnerable to security attack.

Your router may require that you also list a destination IP for the ports that are being forwarded. If so, then click on the “Start” button at the lower-left corner of the desktop. Select “Run”. In the "open" box, enter “cmd” and click “OK.” A new command-prompt window will open. At the command-prompt type: “ipconfig“ and then enter (without the quotes.) Enter the same IP address as this tells you on the line “IP Address......“

You can also use PFConfig to automate the process for you. This website has excellent instructions on how to configure your router. Just select your router from the list and "Skype", then follow the instructions.

Related Articles...