Q: iCloud tcp/ip network ports

I'm a Network Admin, and from my investigations iCloud used SSL (TCP 443) and IMAPS (TCP port 993).

Ports 443 and 993 did NOT work for me for iCloud Photstream.

Opening TCP port 5223 works for Photostream.

It is listed here http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1629 as a MobileMe Sync port.

Any idea about the Mail application on the macbook pro with iCloud? For some reason, it won't sync.

I am able to get it on my iphone but I think it might be my wireless router.

Forgot to say this was on an iPhone 4 IOS5.01 and the iCloud Client application was on Windows 7.

So, how do I take that information regarding the SSL and IMAPs and use it to my benefit to open the ports?

Opening ports is generally only required for corporate enterprise level Firewalls which block all traffic out except that which is specifically allowed. Thus, our corporate Firewall was blocking the iCloud Client application installed on a Win7 PC, from communicating to Apple (on port TCP 5223).

Configuring the Firewall to allow traffic out on this port allowed Photostream (iCloud Client Application) to communicate with Apple's cloud and retrieve photo's.

Consumer routers/firewalls generally allow all traffic out so this is not an issue for most home/small business users.

How to open specific ports for outbound traffic depends entirely on your type/brand of Firewall, and you should consult with the Firewall's user guide.