Video Collaboration using MSN Messenger

I need help in getting a webcam to work over MSN messenger to any of my contacts. I installed a D-Link camera, and get video on my own screen, but can't seem to get it out of my network. Here's what I have:

Running Win XP, SP2 thru a hub to a Westell DSL Modem/Router. The other end is also running XP, SP2 thru a cable modem.

We can text back and forth, but can't send video/audio. (I'm mainly interested the video). When I click the "Start a Video conversation" link, I get a the indication on Messanger that's it's connecting, then a few minutes later it say's it can't connect.I've checked my firewall which has Messenger set to unblock. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks, dondd

 

the problem i think is that your router is blocking your ability to send video, since routers act as firewalls also. With MSN messenger you need to open a hell of a lot of ports on your router (5004 to 65535 i think) to send video. By doing this you are leaving a huge security hole into your network.

If your router supports universal plug and play you can try that, but from what I have read this is not the most secure thing you can do.

Yahoo and AIM messenging programs dont have this problem.

If someone else knows a workaround other than this please let both of us know.

 

Thanks majinbuu for your response. Here's what I did today: Called a contact who has a static IP address, started Netmeeting and punched in the IP and was able to send and receive video. Couldn't get Messenger to cooperate by just clicking on the contact and trying to initiate the video.

I will check with Verizon regarding the open ports just for grins, but if you're saying that Yahoo Messenger works around these problems, that seems to be the easiest solution. Am I understanding you correctly?

Thanks again....Don

 

Yahoo messenger only needs one port to be open in your router for video conferencing, from memory it is port 5100. If you decide to go this way and need help opening ports in your router let us know.

 

I am the guy at the other end of the static IP address that Dondd worked with... It seems that maybe there IS some kind of firewalling going on, however, (and I rarely use MSN Messenger - live on Trillian), it looked like the hooks for video conference for MSN were the same as those for Netmeeting.
The netmeeting worked easily to me with him initiating the call to me.
More info though, is that it seems that MSN wasn't showing him any ability to view his own video.
I agree with the idea of not opening a slew of ports, and also that Yahoo Messenger is LOADs more friendly with this, as was what I recomended to Dondd as well.
As a final note, nearly all firewalls allow Established TCP/UDP, so if it was really just firewalling, you'd think we'd be able to work around it with that.
His DSL is both a router/modem, so there is less control over the firewalling features then if he had cable. Anyone have any idea how to setup Established TCP/UDP within the Westell?
Thanks all.

 

OK...we're happy campers today. The solution (after much trial, talking, hunting, etc.) turns out to be simple as saying MSN Messenger version 7.5!
Just download this version, and voice/video, whiteboard, the works goes to work. It takes a little getting used to finding the right buttons to push, etc., but after a few times it becomes somewhat intuitive.

I established "video conversations" (video with voice) with two different contacts (one being my go to guy ,Shnool) and was able to easily establish a video/voice connection.

Thanks to all who helped!!

dondd