iChat Chokes on Data files?

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Level 1

50 points

iChat Chokes on Data files?

I'm fairly new to iChat, so forgive me if this is something I should already know about. Even though I've been using mac for many years, iChat 3 is the first iteration I've used...

I've found that while chatting with someone on 2.1 is fine, if I upload a picture or file the whole coversation chokes. The picture and messages sent after show up in my iChat, but the person using 2.1 doesn't get anything. In every case, both of us have enough bandwidth - 5MB dn, 256kb up for me, and at least fiber optic for them. What's the deal?

Thanks

Posted on Oct 1, 2005 1:09 PM

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Answer 1

monk3y

Level 4

1,605 points

Oct 1, 2005 2:08 PM in response to Obasan

Direct IM can sometimes be inconsistent when you're behind a firewall.

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Answer 2

Obasan Author

Level 1

50 points

Oct 1, 2005 3:48 PM in response to monk3y

Sorry, Direct IM? Is there an indirect IM too?

I only use the firewall on OSX, not sure about the others. They may not even have that on.

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Answer 3

monk3y

Level 4

1,605 points

Oct 1, 2005 4:38 PM in response to Obasan

You'll notice that if you're sending an image in-line with the chat (for example), it establishes a connection via Direct IM and displays "Direct Instant Message session started". This is an client-to-client connection versus through the traditional AIM server.

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Answer 4

Oct 1, 2005 5:33 PM in response to Obasan

Hi Obasan,

Make sure that port 5190 is open to both the TCP protocol and the UDP one in all your connection Devices and MAc Firewall if ON.

Also make sure the Mac Firewall is not Blocking All UD traffic in the Advanced button.

iChat logs in and Text chats on one protocol with this port. Files sending (Direct IM) is done on the other.

Ralph

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Answer 5

Obasan Author

Level 1

50 points

Oct 1, 2005 9:20 PM in response to Ralph-Johns-UK

Ralph,

This looks like a good suggestion. I've opened that port on the firewall preferences. Do I also need to port forward these through the aiport (I connect via airport)?
The firewall is (was) not blocking UDP traffic (stealth more instead). Hope this works.

Thanks

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Answer 6

Oct 2, 2005 2:54 PM in response to Obasan

Hi Obasan,

If the Airport is in Default mode it will pass through all data on all ports that are in use.

It also acts as a DHCP server and this can be a problem if the modem is as well.

Also it NATs all data and this can be a proble with Port Forwarding if that is the method used in the modem.

UPnP in the modem is better.

If two devices are DHCP servers tru the function off in one of them.

Ralph

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