Wireless Router and MSN Messenger File Sending

[BigTimeNovice]

Does anybody know any wireless 802.11b or 802.11g (preferably) router that will allow me to send files with MSN Messenger? Many routers allow me to receive but not send files.

Thanks in advance
Win XP Home

[DrMDJ]

Did you forward ports 6891-6900 on the one ya have, and still have a problem?

[BigTimeNovice]

DrMDJ,

I don't think so. Please tell me how to do this.

[DrMDJ]

Without knowing the specific router involved here its tough to give the precise instructions. But most routers will have an admin/setup/config screen on which you can designate specific ip port numbers (as in the 6891-6900 ones here for MSN), or rather the communication over them, to be "forwarded" to one specific machine (ip address) on your local network. This allows communication (through these ports) between the the outside world (internet) and the designated machine to take place without interference (filtering/blocking) from the router's firewall. On the setup screen you simply give the range of ports (ie 6891-6900) to be forwarded and the ip address of the machine on your lan they are to be forwarded to .

Using port forwarding enables communication over specific ports while maintaining firewall security on any other ports for the designated machine. There is also another option most routers offer (through a config screen). A given machine (its ip address) can be placed in what's called the DMZ (De-Militarized Zone). When in the DMZ a designated machine is not subject at all to the port filtering/blocking of the router's firewall. So effectively communication over any port can take place between the machine and the outside world. Now putting a machine in the DMZ is far less secure than doing specific port forwarding. It is a "shotgun" approach.

Note: no matter which of these methods are used you need to also set the machine in question up NOT to use DHCP (have an ip address assigned randomly to it) in its Windows TCPIP setup. The machine needs to have a static/fixed ip address assigned.

The user manual for your router should have a section covering details on both port forwarding as well as putting machines in the DMZ (assuming it offers these features).

[Train]

Most router manufactors, under their FAQs, have specific guideline on how to setup your router to let msn to pass through, on their website.

[BigTimeNovice]

Train, I had already gone to some sites' FAQs and was under the impression that SMC and DLink had some problems. Linksys showed how to make MSN work, but did not specifically discuss whether file transfer would work like SMC and DLink.

DrMDJ, I will try your solution. However, I do not own a wireless router yet and am looking for one which will support file transfer without having to do "Trial and Error" on different companies' routers.

Thanks for the advice all

I'm still looking for one router though

[Train]

It works fine for me with my Linksys, but it is not wireless. And until the security of one makes me happy, I will not get one. Oh, by the way any metal in the walls will stop the signal. Like stucko on wire mesh.